Improving the Performance, Robustness and Reliability of Myoelectric Control

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The loss or congenital absence of a limb is a major disability that can have considerable physical and psychological impact on the life of an amputee. It is estimated that there are more than 3 million upper limb amputees globally, with the rate of incidence growing steadily. The loss of an upper limb, in particular, can greatly affect an individual's level of independence and self-esteem, as well as lead to overuse injuries of the neck, shoulders and back. Although upper limb prostheses have evolved considerably, the method of controlling them has changed little since the 1960s. These devices use the electromyogram (electrical signals generated while contracting muscles of the residual limb) to determine the intent of the user. Termed myoelectric control, this approach is functional and non-invasive, but commercially available systems provide limited control and can be unintuitive. **Recently, significant advances in myoelectric control have been shown in the literature. Pattern-based approaches have shown the ability to control more motions, more intuitively, but robustness remains a concern. Our recent work has highlighted possibilities for greatly improving the reliability of these systems through algorithmic improvements and better understanding of confounding factors. Furthermore, we have identified flaws in the assumptions that form the basis of the standard design approach. The objective of this research is to apply these findings, using novel approaches in signal processing and system design, and novel pressure sensing technology to improve the control, performance and reliability of upper limb prosthetics, and human-machine interfaces in general.