Advancing dignity for adaptive wheelchair users via a hybrid eye tracking and electromyography training game

Abstract

Maintaining autonomous activities can be challenging for patients with neuromuscular disorders or quadriplegia, where control of joysticks for powered wheelchairs may not be feasible. Advancements in human machine interfaces have resulted in methods to capture the intentionality of the individual through non-traditional controls and communicating the users desires to a robotic interface. This research explores the design of a training game that teaches users to control a wheelchair through such a device that utilizes electromyography (EMG). The training game combines the use of EMG and eye tracking to enhance the impression of dignity while building self-efficacy and supporting autonomy for users. The system implements both eye tracking and surface electromyography, via the temporalis muscles, for gamified training and simulation of a novel wheelchair interface.