Mechatronic experiments course design: a myoelectric controlled partial-hand prosthesis project

• Published in: IEEE transactions on education 2004-08, Vol.47 (3), p.348-355
• Main Authors: Pan, T.-T., Ping-Lin Fan, Chiang, H.K., Rong-Seng Chang, Jiang, J.-A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical engineering education; Control engineering education; Electromyography; Electronics engineering education; Mechatronics; Microcontrollers; Prosthetics; Student experiments
• ISSN: 0018-9359; 1557-9638
• DOI: 10.1109/TE.2004.825528

This paper describes a proposed laboratory project involving the design of a myoelectric-controlled partial-hand prosthesis to reinforce mechatronic education. The proposal focuses mainly on extract electromyogram (EMG) signals generated during contraction of the biceps. The EMG signals are first amplified and filtered by a laboratory-designed electronic circuit and then reprocessed using a microcontroller to drive the servomotor so that the designed prosthesis can be properly controlled. The project introduces students to component-level and system-level design and exposes them to the integration of a microcontroller, electronic circuits, sensors, and prosthesis mechanisms. Moreover, since the project results in a working prosthesis, student enthusiasm for mechatronic education increases, and they see its relevance to the field in applied engineering. Implementation of the laboratory project within the curriculum has been demonstrated to be highly motivational and educational and has even helped to attract more students to study mechatronic applications.