Researchers at EPFL, as part of the SUN-XR project, are working on improving how humans interact with computers in Extended Reality (XR) and beyond. They have developed methods to process and interpret electromyography (EMG) signals, which measure muscle activity. Building upon previous work with a wired EMG prototype, they are now focused on creating a wireless, portable EMG device. This is achieved by integrating the data acquisition system into a small, custom-designed microchip. After several iterations of development, they are increasing the number of simultaneous EMG channels and further expanding the skin coverage of their system, allowing for the acquisition of a greater amount of muscle activity information. This new wireless device is designed to be easy to wear and use. While crucial for comfortable and practical use in XR, this technology has broader applications. For instance, it could contribute to designing prosthetic hands with a higher number of electrodes, offering improved control for amputees. The current wireless prototype is undergoing testing
Improving human interaction with computers in Extended Reality (XR) and beyond
