Journal of Bioengineering & Biomedical Science

Using Augmented Reality Techniques to Simulate Myoelectric Upper Limb Prostheses

Abstract

Edgard Afonso Lamounier Jr, Kenedy Lopes, Alexandre Cardoso and Alcimar Barbosa Soares

This article proposes the use of Augmented Reality (AR) techniques for control and simulation of myoelectric prostheses. The system has been designed so that it is able to reproduce the operation of a real prosthesis in an immersive AR environment, using a virtual device that operates in similar fashion to the real one, resulting in a training environment for users and therapists. Motion and posture of the virtual prosthesis is controlled by EMG signals collected via surface electrodes and classified into four classes of movements. The results of tests with non-amputee volunteers show that the system is capable of generating the correct prosthesis motion and posture in the AR environment, in real time.