Myonics is a wearable device which enables men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to use a computer.
Myonics is a Hybrid Muscular Computer Interface gadget designed to enable men in the non-ambulatory stages of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to use a computer. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disease that predominantly occurs in males. It is caused by a mutation of the dystrophin gene in the body and leads to progressive degeneration of skeletal, respiratory and cardiac muscles.
Using dry electrodes embedded into the arm band, the device measures and processes the EMG signal from the arm muscles and translates it into cursor movements and clicking. The band is designed to adjust to users with different arm shapes and sizes, as well as be intuitive for caregivers to attach and set up.
The Process
There was interaction with the user group throughout the duration of the project for research purposes. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the testing and validation was conducted remotely with only one user.
Research was conducted in the fields of ergonomics, design, and experience as well as material testing, which aided in the development of how the product should look and feel. Determining how to translate EMG data to mouse cursor movements was also a key focus of the project. The device was continually iterated throughout the project.
Final Design
A Myonics set consists of two wearable devices and a Myonics dongle bluetooth connector. One band will be worn on each arm and the dongle is to be plugged into the computer.
The electrodes are embedded into the foam in order to create a smooth surface when in contact with the arm.
The electronics box is snap fit to the backplate which is connected to the leather cover.
The side of the electronics box has an indicator for which arm the device is meant for, along with the charging port.
Project Details:
Group Project 2020 (group of 5- Rebekah Kempske, Xingyu Fan, Jeroen Lieveloo, Taner Ulusoy)
Duration: 5 months
Yumen Bionics, TU Delft (Netherlands)
Awards:
The James Dyson Award National runner up (Netherlands)
The James Dyson Award International Top 20