Sensors for Motor Neuroprosthetics

Abstract

Clinical applications of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) provide both functional and therapeutic benefits. To enhance the functionality of FES systems and to improve the control of the activated muscles through open-loop or feedback controllers, solutions to gather information about the status of the system in real time and to easily detect the intention of the subject have to be optimized. This chapter summarizes the state of art of sensors used in motor neuroprostheses. These sensors can be classified in two categories: sensors of biological signals, such as electromyogram, electroencephalogram, electroneurogram, eye tracking, and voice control, and sensors of non-biological signals, such as sensors of force/pressure (e.g. force sensitive resistors and strain gauges) and sensors of movement (e.g. accelerometers, electrogoniometers, inertial measurement units, and motion capture systems). Definitions, advantages and disadvantages, and some example of applications are reported for each sensor. Finally, guidelines to compare sensors for the design of motor neuroprostheses are drawn.