NB: This position is openonly to students enrolled in the BASc atSimon Fraser University

Supervisor: Carlo Menon

Background: With age related declines in muscle strength, everyday simple operations, such as turning a tap handle or closing a bottle or jar screw cap, can be challenging and sometimes frustrating for the elderly and have a negative impact on their musculoskeletal system. The increased stress involved with these activities may simultaneously affect autonomic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. For instance, opening a jar requires the hand to seize an object while applying a torque around the wrist; several muscles act synergistically and muscle strain and ligament injury may occur in different parts of the hand and forearm. We intend to develop a wearable assistive-training device (FATD) to be used by seniors. The device would amplify the force from human muscles for handling objects in every day operations. The goal is to develop a system capable of both amplifying arm and hand force while training (exercising) the muscles of the subject. The device can also be used in the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological disorders, such as individuals with stroke and spinal cord injury. The device can be controlled using force sensors, and electromyographic (EMG) and electroencephalographic (EEG) signals. An early version of a robot controlled by EEG is shown in the following movie:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB0XQVKSVYo

Research done so far: Research is summarized in the following papers:

1) Khokhar, Z., Xiao, Z.G., Sheridan,C., Menon, C. (2009) Towards the development of a wearable 2DOF wrist rehabilitation device, 2009 IEEE 13th International Multitopic Conference (INMIC), Islamabad, Pakistan.

2) Henrey, M., A., Sheridan, C.,Khokhar, Z., Menon, C. (2009) Towards the development of a wearable rehabilitation device for stroke survivors, 2009 IEEE Toronto InternationalConference –Science and Technology for Humanity, Toronto, Canada.

Research to be performed:The student participating in the proposed co-op will be involved on the development of the FATD prototype which amplifies both arm and finger forces. Research could also involve processing EMG and EEG signals. The FATD should have the potential to be easily donned/doffed and worn comfortably. Smart materials will be considered for both the actuation and sensing systems. Depending on the student’s skills and state of the project at the beginning of the co-op period, the work/research will focus on the development of some of the following subsystems of the FATD: (1) mechanical design, (2) electronics, (3) actuation,(4) sensing, (5) control, (6) software development.

Prerequisite:  1) at least 100 credit hours; and 2) CGPA>2.8.

Notes: 1) Minimum honorarium is provided (exception: NSERC URSA); 2) The ideal candidate would like to contribute in applied research and be willing to work on a mechatronic project. However, students with expertise in at least one of the above mentioned six subsystems are invited to apply.

 Significance: The human hand is the most used part of our musculoskeletal system. Hence it needs to be kept strong with exercise and appropriate use. In seniors, when the maximal force can decline considerably, inability to perform simple domestic operations can seriously compromise autonomy. The development of the FATD will represent the crucial tool for any further investigation on hand force amplification and training in seniors. We plan to develop an economically affordable system to be used in daily operations.