Sensing and processing of bio-metric signals for use in low cost bio-robotic systems

Use of bio-metric signals, from muscle and neurons, to build intelligent control systems to mimic human behavior is an important area of active research. Such bio-robotic systems are finding use in rehabilitation and recovery of human organ functions. They also aid in removing the human beings from dangerous and hazardous working conditions. This paper reports the research attempts that have been undertaken to develop a cost-effective bio-driven robotic system for hand amputees, more precisely for wrist disarticulation. The system uses the EMG signals from an amputee´s arm to realize a few commonly used finger and hand movements. The developed system is able to obtain the EMG signals through a specifically designed data acquisition and signal processing circuit. A specially designed finger unit has been built and the test model is able to carry out the desired functions of gripping an object. Initial outcomes are very promising and ongoing research will ensure that the entire system will be able to be driven by the amputees using their EMG signals and realize the functions of a selected finger and hand for their everyday activities.