Towards the sEMG hand: internet of things sensors and haptic feedback application

Abstract

With the trend going on in ubiquitous computing, everything is going to be connected to the Internet and its data will be used for various progressive purposes, creating not only information from it, but also, knowledge and even wisdom. Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming important because the amount of data could make it possible to create more usefulness and develop smart applications for the users. Meanwhile, it mainly focuses on how to enable general objects to see, hear, and smell the physical world for themselves, and make them connected to share the observations. In this paper, we focus our attention on the integration of artificial sensory perception and haptic feedback in sEMG hands, which is an intelligent application of the IoT. Artificial sensory perception and haptic feedback are essential elements for amputees with myoelectric hands to restore the grasping function. They can provide information to users, such as forces of interaction and surface properties at points of contact between hands and objects. Recent advancements in robot tactile sensing led to development of many computational techniques that exploit this important sensory channel. At the same time, Surface electromyography (sEMG) is perhaps most useful for providing insight into how the neuromuscular system behaves. Therefore, integration of sEMG technology, artificial sensation and haptic feedback plays an important role in improving the manipulation performance and enhancing perceptual embodiment for users. This paper provides sEMG technologies that involve Multichannel sEMG electrodes array and processing methods, and then reviews current state-of-the-art of artificial sensation and haptic feedback. Drawing from advancements and taking into design considerations of each feedback modality and individual haptic technology, the paper outline challenging issues and future developments.