Development of a soft active sensor that measures myoelectric signals

Abstract

Recently, there is concern about labor shortage of nursing care markets accompanying a declining birthrate and aging population as a social problem. Power assist at the nursing care site is effective when holding a person, but it takes time to attach and detach. It is not easy to use and inefficient when is viewed through the day's work. There are two types of myoelectric sensors used for power assistance, wet (passive) and dry (active) electrodes. Performance as a sensor used for power assist is better for dry electrodes and less troublesome for attachment and detachment. However, it is hard to use to adhere to the skin for a long time because the stiff case of the sensor may bring about the pain to the user. It is not suitable for power assist in existing hard-casing electrodes. The purpose of this research is to develop an active soft-casing sensor, which does not give the pain for a long time using a power assist.