EMG based input and control system for lower limb prostheses

Our goal is the development of a voluntary control input system for lower limb prostheses. For this purpose we use electromyography (EMG) with skin surface electrodes which is a common method for non-invasive measurement of electrical potential during muscle contraction which has not yet been applied successfully to lower limb prostheses due to the difficult signal conditions within the prosthesis socket. Our system will be integrated in the prosthesis socket, making the control system comfortable to wear and easy to use as no electrodes or other parts must be glued to the skin or manually repositioned and placed every day the prosthesis is worn. The control system is designed to allow the user to control a special function within an active powered prosthesis system, e.g. lifting the foot during walking or climbing stairs which are elementary tasks, performed by the subconscious mind of an non-amputee. The control signal is derived by using remaining muscles of the residual limb. The active prosthesis function can be triggered either by a distinct stimulation of the muscle which is observed or by the subconscious muscle stimulation remaining after the amputation. Our development offers a potential for further applications like computer input devices, security and safety application, sports and gaming or consumer device control and is not limited to medical applications.