Mathematical moves

Rami Khushaba, a PhD student at the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, is helping find the best way to tap into the body's electrical signals, so that a robotic prosthetic device can be operated like a real limb.

It has been known for some time that human muscle activity, known as the Electromyogram (EMG), carries the distinct signature of the voluntary intent of the central nervous system.

These so-called myoelectric signals are already being used to control prosthetic devices.

But a lot of work still needs to be done before a robotic arm will respond instantaneously and accurately to the intention to move.

Khushaba said: 'Right now the best that can be done is a few simple tasks with rather unsatisfactory performance, due to poor signal recognition and the high computational cost that leads to extra time delays.

'Improvement in analysing the myoelectric signals will spur improvement of the hardware, and that's where our work is directed.'