Microprocessor Based Control of Electromechanical Devices by Using Electromyogram: A "Cricket Car" Model

The Cricket Car is a remote control car that uses electromyographic (EMG) signals to drive the car. Electrodes are inserted into the legs of the common field cricket and the myoelectric signal, also known as a motor action signal, is amplified. This amplified signal is then acquired by the PIC16F88 processor. Using threshold detection and conditional logic algorithms, the PIC processor sends command signals to the circuit of a remote control car. Features such as object/collision detection, cricket stimulus, and additional signal processing algorithms have been studied and developed. The project has been incorporated into a neuroengineering course. Continuation of this project by undergraduate and graduate students will serve as the impetus for further improvements.