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Exo Arm-An EMG Based Orthotic Prototype

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Conference

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 23, 2024

Start Date

June 23, 2024

End Date

July 12, 2024

Conference Session

MECH - Technical Session 10: Special Topics and Innovative Methods in Mechanical Engineering

Tagged Division

Mechanical Engineering Division (MECH)

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/47383

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Paper Authors

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Matthew Paul Yoder Wentworth Institute of Technology

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Matthew Yoder is a 2023 graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently specialized in medical devices, working full time as a Mechanical Engineer at Lexington Medical where he is working on innovative surgical equipment.

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Ilie Talpasanu Wentworth Institute of Technology

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Ilie Talpasanu: Ilie Talpasanu received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in Arlington. He is Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, where he coordinated a team of faculty in developing the Master of Science Program in Mechanical Engineering. He worked in industry at Motorola as a design engineer, previously was Dean of Academic Affairs in Arlington, Texas. His research interests include Micro and Nano Robotics for Cell Micro and Nano Manipulations, Computational Methods in Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines and Mechanisms, Design and Optimization of Vehicle Transmissions, Design of Robotic Systems. He authored two books, two book chapters, eleven peer reviewed journal papers, and fifteen technical papers presented at national and international conferences. He has been topic organizer at conferences and congresses in U.S, Canada, Italy, Japan, Romania, and invited guest speaker in U.S.A, Germany, Japan, and Malta.

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Radu Ceausu Wentworth Institute of Technology

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Radu Ceausu earned BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from University Politehnica of Bucharest, Phd in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Academic research consisting in developing and validating original engine transient software models (including friction, controls, dynamics). Extensive teaching experience in mechanical engineering coursework: 3 years at Politehnica University Bucharest,8 years with Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; 11 years with Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA. Worked for more than 7 years of research and development of internal combustion engines at AVL PEI, Plymouth MI; AVL Gmbh, Graz Austria; John Deere PEI, Waterloo IA. Worked in analysis and development of advanced engine concepts encompassing all major engine systems (intake, combustion, cooling, exhaust, exhaust aftertreatment), applying models of different levels of complexity (0d, 1d, 3d, coupled 1d-3d). Analysis of aftertreatment systems, validation of analysis procedure, to support integration of aftertreatment systems on different vehicle platforms.

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Gloria Ma Wentworth Institute of Technology

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Gloria Ma is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering program at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She has been teaching robotics with Lego Mindstorm to ME freshmen for several years. She is actively involved in community services of offering robotics workshops to middle- and high-school girls. Her research interests include dynamics and system modeling, geometry modeling, project based engineering design, and robotics in manufacturing, artificial intelligent in manufacturing, and engineering education.

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Yusuf Eid Wentworth Institute of Technology

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Yusuf Eid received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Throughout his time at Wentworth, he studied various subjects focusing on stress and strain analysis as well as simulation-based design. Yusuf also participated in various internships throughout his time at Wentworth, including project management and manufacturing roles. Through his time at Wentworth and guidance from his professors and peers, Yusuf was able to utilize his experience to contribute to the design and creation of the Exo-Arm.

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HAN THANH HUA Wentworth Institute of Technology

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Han Hua: Mechanical Engineering major, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Han Hua studies mechanical engineering with experience in CNC machines. As a technician in medical manufacturing, and possessing business management skills, he is a well-rounded individual with a diverse skill set. As a mechanical engineering student, Han has a strong foundation in the principles and theories of the field. Han's experience as a technician in the
medical manufacturing industry has given him practical experience in applying this knowledge to real-world problems. He understands the importance of precision and reliability in medical device production and has developed the skills necessary to produce high-quality components. He can identify areas where improvements can be made in the manufacturing process and implement changes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Han's knowledge can apply to the medical manufacturing industry, where cost-effectiveness and efficiency are critical to success. Because of this, he was able to help immensely with the cost and budget aspect of the Exo-An:

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Nathanael Hillyer Wentworth Institute of Technology

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Nathanael Hillyer graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2023 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his education, he took part in multiple research projects exploring theoretical quantum physics and graphene exfoliation techniques. He is currently employed as a mechanical engineer, focusing on the design and implementation of high precision atomic timing devices.

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Abstract

Millions suffer each year from muscle deficiency resulting from various medical conditions such as muscular dystrophy, nerve damage, stroke, neurapraxia, spinal cord injury and more. The Exo-Arm capstone project seeks to demonstrate the potential of Electromyography (EMG) based orthotic devices for strength enhancement and rehabilitation. For this capstone project an EMG based exoskeleton arm was designed and fabricated. This device is designed to be attached to a user's arm and respond directly to the signal from the user's muscles. Once a user flexes their biceps, the skin electrodes detect the change in voltage and the EMG signal is sent to an Arduino nano. The Arduino microcontroller takes this raw signal and runs it through a smoothing algorithm and returns a clean signal. Once the clean signal passes a given threshold, a signal is sent to the motor controller which activates the electric motor.

Yoder, M. P., & Talpasanu, I., & Ceausu, R., & Ma, G., & Eid, Y., & HUA, H. T., & Hillyer, N. (2024, June), Exo Arm-An EMG Based Orthotic Prototype Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/47383

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