MAGNetic sensing microsystem for InjectABLE magnetomyography

Despite several decades of research, the quest for an intuitive and physiologically appropriate human-machine interface (HMI) for the control of dexterous prostheses is far from being completed. The focus of the researchers around the world so far is on use of "Electric field" generated by the skeleton muscles for HMI. Recently, focus of the research is shifted toward measurement of "Magnetic field" generated by the ionic current flowing in muscle fiber - called as Magnetomyogram (MMG). The MMG has the potential to provide additional information about the muscle contraction with high spatial resolution since the magnetic field is not affected by the volume conductive property of tissues. The current sensing systems for MMG recording suffers from poor SNR and highly affected by the earth magnetic field and background noises in the surrounding environment. To address this, this project explores the development of a robust and highly sensitive sensing microsystem for MMG recording using magnetic sensors. It will develop a signal conditioning unit with background calibration and auto-programmable sensitivity to effectively compensate the effects of undesirable magnetic field. In addition, a proof-of-concept prototype will be demonstrated for MMG recording with a sub-millimetric cross-section suitable for injecting at the surface of the muscles using a catheter. The project is extremely timely because the development of HMI is an emerging field with very promising expectations in the future.