Development of a 3D-printed EMG wristband

Electromyography (EMG) has been widely used in robotics and biomedical applications for sensing and diagnostic purposes. Because of the complex shape of the human limbs and the uneven surface of the human skin, EMG sensing often faces the challenge of stable signal detection. As manufacturing technology advances, Additive manufacturing has shown its potential to improve the existing EMG sensing system further. 3D printing offers the advantage of customized fabrication to fit the designated locations of EMG detection. In this work, a 3D-printed EMG wristband was developed for the control application. The wristband demonstrated its stability in EMG signal processing with a single-sensor system, which differed from other multi-sensor system devices. 3D-printed serpentine electrodes have improved signal detection by providing conformal contact to the skin compared with the existing rigid dry electrodes. This work shows 3D-printed EMG device's potential for the advanced control system in the prosthetic fields.