A wearable stimulation device for sharing and augmenting kinesthetic feedback

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a wearable stimulation device that is capable of simultaneously achieving functional electrical stimulation (FES) and the measurement of electromyogram (EMG) signals. We also propose dynamically adjustable frequency stimulation over a wide range of frequencies (1-150Hz), which allows the EMG-triggered FES device to be used in various scenarios. The developed prototype can be used not only as social playware for facilitating touch communications but also as a tool for virtual experiences such as hand tremors in Parkinson's disease, and an assistive tool for sports training. The methodology, preliminarily experiments, and potential applications are described in this paper.