Nilo T. Bugtai

Towards the development of more human-like robotic therapy devices: A review

Over the past decade, more and more robotic devices have been tested in the physical rehabilitation setting. While initial results from some devices indicate signs of improvements in subjects motor functions, some studies reveal the contrary. The contradicting results from these studies highlight the need of optimizing the design strategies of robotic therapy devices. In the absence of clear scientific basis for the designs of such devices, researchers should rely on proven principles of physical rehabilitation practices. In order to achieve their goals, robotic devices should become more human like in connecting intent with actions.

Design considerations in manufacturing cost-effective robotic exoskeletons for upper extremity rehabilitation

The development of robotic exoskeletons is a young and active area of research in multidisciplinary fields such as biomedical engineering. In upper extremity rehabilitation, several developments have been made for robotic exoskeletons to help regain motor function by means of repetitive and task-oriented exercises. However, the economics and availability of such devices remain an issue to be addressed especially for those in the developing regions where access to healthcare options are limited. This article presents an analysis of design criteria and considerations in manufacturing cost-effective robotic exoskeletons for upper extremity rehabilitation. A review of recently developed concepts, prototypes and commercially-available devices was performed to establish a set of guidelines in developing products with high feasibility for adoption. Most of the design criteria discussed in this article focused on wearability, safety, and performance. Finally, a discussion of the trend towards low-cost manufacturing was done to challenge researchers in addressing the need for a reliable and accessible healthcare system for upper extremity rehabilitation.

Velocity and acceleration induced response to bicep EMG signal threshold for motion intention detection

A key factor in robotic-based physical rehabilitation is providing robotic assistance only when the subjects exert muscular effort and that movement intention does not translate into an actual physical movement. Thus, an accurate motion intention detection system plays an important role. This study focuses on the use of Electromyography signals (EMG) in detecting motion intention. Since this type of signals can be affected by factors including movement velocity and movement acceleration, it is therefore the objective of this research to determine how various levels of movement velocities, and acceleration would affect EMG signal amplitudes. Eight healthy subjects performed bicep curl movements at three different velocities with at least thirty movement repetitions each. The results were summarized, processed, and statistically analysed in order to show the relationship between the above stated factors and the dependent variable EMG.

Monitoring the Parameter Effects of Surface Grinding Process Using Temperature, Acoustic Emission and Force Measurement

Temperature, forces and acoustic emission measurements are employed for research into the mechanics of grinding and for process monitoring. Temperature measurement in grinding presents a number of challenges especially in wet grinding. Fluid can affect the precision of the measurement when using infrared technique or make a short circuit when using grindable thermocouple. This paper highlights the previous temperature measurement methods and introduces a new one for measuring. Acoustic Emission technique has the capability to provide efficient real-time knowledge and monitoring of the grinding process. AERMS values were used to analyses the process characteristics. This paper explores the relations between temperature, force, acoustic emission and roughness.Copyright

Biomimetics in the design of a robotic exoskeleton for upper limb therapy

Current methodologies in designing robotic exoskeletons for upper limb therapy simplify the complex requirements of the human anatomy. As a result, such devices tend to compromise safety and biocompatibility with the intended user. However, a new design methodology uses biological analogues as inspiration to address these technical issues. This approach follows that of biomimetics, a design principle that uses the extraction and transfer of useful information from natural morphologies and processes to solve technical design issues. In this study, a biomimetic approach in the design of a 5-degree-of-freedom robotic exoskeleton for upper limb therapy was performed. A review of biomimetics was first discussed along with its current contribution to the design of rehabilitation robots. With a proposed methodological framework, the design for an upper limb robotic exoskeleton was generated using CATIA software. The design was inspired by the morphology of the bones and the muscle force transmission of the upper...

Effects of movement velocity, acceleration and initial degree of muscle flexion on bicep EMG signal amplitude

This study aims to determine the factors that affect the electromyography signal amplitude of human muscles. In a previous study, it was determined that increases in movement velocity and acceleration led to an increase in EMG signal amplitude. In this study, EMG signal amplitudes were investigated under varying degree of muscle flexion while at rest, by varying the angle of initial positions. Eight healthy subjects performed bicep curl movements with three different velocities at three different initial positions, with at least thirty movement repetitions each. The results were summarized, processed, and statistically analysed in order to show the relationship between the above stated factors and EMG signal amplitude.

Development of an online refractive index monitoring system to detect the end point of transesterification reaction

Refractive index is a physical property which can be used in determining the end point of transesterification in producing biodiesel. The traditional method in acquiring refractive index measurements takes place outside of a transesterification reactor making remote sensing impossible. In this study, a fiber optic cable was used to identify the appropriate wavelength to acquire the refractive index measurement of the mixture as well as fuzzy logic using proportional and derivative errors as its input in determining the end point of transesterification reaction. The different components are used to address real time data acquisition and processing in controlling the continuation or termination of the reaction. It showed that the transesterification reaction of refined, bleached, deodorized coconut oil and methanol using 1:6 molar ratio and 0.003 (by weight of oil) of sodium hydroxide has a mean termination time of 80 minutes with +/- 10 minutes deviation and the percent error compared with measurements from traditional refractometer was less than 0.24%. In doing so, an online system for real time data acquisition and processing was established. The study provides an alternative way to automatically identify the end point of transesterification and successfully presents a method for remote sensing identifying the reaction termination timely to the mixture condition.

Exploitation of 3-D printing technique in design and prototype of an eyeglass frame for Philippine Eye Research Institute

Rapid prototyping techniques, including three-dimensional printing, have unlocked new possibilities to manufacture any given three-dimensional object into a model or prototype, directly from a CAD file through the additive deposition of individual cross-sectional layers of the part. Through the years, additive manufacturing has evolved from producing prototypes for form, fit and functional testing to producing final end-products for consumer use. The 3-D printing has made its mark for providing cost effective product along with making complex geometries possible. This paper gives an overview of a 3-D printing process and presents a case study for an innovative eyeglass frame design for the Philippine Eye Research Institute that addresses the problems with slipping of the nose pads of eyeglasses and irritation for wearing eyeglasses for a long period of time.