A Cross-Cultural Study of Electromyography Input for Older Adults

The proposed research concerns the use of Electromyography (EMG) input, via the Myo Armband, for older adults (OAs). EMG input, such as that available through off-the-shelf products, such as the Myo armband (made by a Canadian firm, Thalmic Labs from Waterloo), enables access to interactive commands in an intelligent home setting. Gestures facilitated by EMG armbands require brisk movements, and require extending our arms/forearms beyond the level of comfort of even the range-of-motion possible by OAs. Our work will design and validate techniques to personalize EMG signals to cater to each individual’s needs, in particular OAs carrying out various home-based tasks. We are further interested in investigating the cross-cultural implications of a gestural interface. Our intent is to design capabilities to for seamless digital interaction in Ambient Assisted Living environments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Pourang Irani

Student:

Yumiko Sakamoto

Partner:

Kochi University of Technology

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

Program: