Title :
Proportional EMG control for upper-limb powered exoskeletons
Author :
Lenzi, T. ; De Rossi, S.M.M. ; Vitiello, N. ; Carrozza, M.C.
Author_Institution :
The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant´´Anna, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
fDate :
Aug. 30 2011-Sept. 3 2011
Abstract :
Electromyography (EMG) has been frequently proposed as the driving signal for controlling powered exoskeletons. Lot of effort has been spent to design accurate algorithms for muscular torque estimation, while very few studies attempted to understand to what extent an accurate torque estimate is indeed necessary to provide effective movement assistance through powered exoskeletons. In this study, we focus on the latter aspect by using a simple and “low-accuracy” torque estimate, an EMG-proportional control, to provide assistance through an elbow exoskeleton. Preliminary results show that subjects adapt almost instantaneously to the assistance provided by the exoskeleton and can reduce their effort while keeping full control of the movement.
Keywords :
Elbow; Electromyography; Exoskeletons; Joints; Muscles; Robots; Torque; Elbow; Electromyography; Feedback; Humans; Movement; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Orthotic Devices; Robotics;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC, 2011 Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Boston, MA
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-4121-1
Electronic_ISBN :
1557-170X
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6090139