sEMG based orthosis for upper limb

Project Title

sEMG based orthosis for upper limb

Project Area of Specialization Wearables and ImplantableProject Summary

sEMG basec active elbow orthosis which is sometimes merged with term upper limb exoskeleton is used to provide active support to weight lifting and arm mobility. it is included in empowering type of exoskeleton because of its ability to augment in movement for rehabilitation purposes.it will be attached to elbow so it will provide one Degree Of Freedom(DOF) for elbow joint.

Project Objectives

1. to identify general requirements for the mechanical and actuation parts of the proposed device;
2. to develop design concepts;
3. to choose optimal configuration for the mechanical and actuation parts of the proposed device;
4. to assembly the designed prototype;
5. to choose a sensing system which will be able to identify patient’s intention to make a movement;
6. to develop and integrate control algorithm for the actuation part of the proposed device.

Project Implementation Method

The scope of this work includes developing of mechanical design and assembling of real working
prototype. Also a proper review of anatomical structure and biomechanics of elbow joint, injuries
and their treatments and prior researchers in elbow rehabilitation area should be done. The device
aimed to assist a person to move the joint. So some sensing system which will identify patient’s
intention to make a movement is required. Moreover, the estimation of such intention should be
universal for different people.

An assessment of the device performance can be achieved by evaluating reliability, accuracy and
repeatability of the device response for patient’s intention.
Thus, the purpose of this project is to combine relatively simpler mechanical design corresponding
to safety requirements with controlling algorithm which should be quite precise, not too complicate
and without long calibration period with a total cost less than  60,000 rupees.

Benefits of the Project

it has ushered in a new era of modern neuromuscular rehabilitation
engineering and assistive technology research. The technology promises to improve the upper-limb
functionalities required for performing activities of daily living.Also, It is important during rehabilitation to try to avoid a range of motion limitations, muscular
contractures, stiffness of the joints and the development of secondary deformities. The main
purpose of the rehabilitation process is to return mobility to injured joint by its manipulation with
trained therapist. Such process is limited by patients and/or therapists time due to social and
economic problems. But technologies are developing and there is huge area in engineering called
bio-engineering which aimed to solve real word problems including problems with life quality of
patients with different injuries. New devices continuously appear which tends to replace sessions
with a therapist with independent training using appropriate devices. These devices should
increase abilities of a patient by manipulating a joint, controlling range motion and unloading injured
joint.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

active orthotic in hardware with programmed microcontroller to acquire signal,feed into algortihm and perform required functions accordingly 

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry HealthOther Industries Medical , Manufacturing Core Technology RoboticsOther Technologies Wearables and ImplantablesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for PeopleRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	60000
sEMG kit	Equipment	3	5000	15000
actuator	Equipment	1	7000	7000
braces/orthosis	Equipment	1	20000	20000
microcontroller	Equipment	1	5000	5000
supply/battery	Equipment	1	3000	3000
accessories, printing etc.	Miscellaneous	1	10000	10000