Analysis of EMG Electrode Locations Using 3D Body Scanning for Digital Pattern Construction of a Smart EMG Suit

Abstract

According to recent trends, smart clothing products that can receive electromyography (EMG) signals during the wearer’s muscle activity are being developed and commercialized. On the other hand, there is a lack of knowledge on the way to specify the electrode locations on the clothing pattern. Accurately located EMG electrodes in the clothing support the reliability and usefulness of the products. Moreover, a systematic process to construct anatomically validated smart clothing digitally should be performed to facilitate the application of a mass-customized manufacturing system. The current study explored the EMG measurement locations of nine muscles and analyzed them in association with various anthropometric points and even postures based on the 3D body scan data. The results suggest that several line segments of the patterns can be substituted by size-dependent equations for the electrodes in place. As a final step, a customized pattern of a smart EMG suit was developed virtually. The current study proposes a methodology to develop body-size dependent equations and patterns of a smart EMG suit with well-located electrodes using 3D scan data. These results suggest ways to produce smart EMG suits in response to impending automation and mass customization of the clothing manufacturing system.