Experiment: Control a Claw Neuroprosthetic

Human
Neuroengineering
Grade 4+

Control The Claw

Experience a real-life brain-machine interface by using your forearm muscle signals to operate a robotic gripper! In this challenge, you’ll learn how to hook up electrodes, send muscle activity to The Claw, and manipulate cups into a tower. Get a glimpse into modern neuroprosthetics and test your dexterity!

What Will You Learn?

Basic neuromuscular electrode placement and signal recording.
Principles of brain-machine interfaces (BMI) and neuroprosthetics.
Fine motor control and muscle-based feedback loops.
Hands-on robotics control through EMG signals.

Background

Neuroprosthetics and brain-machine interfaces allow electrical signals from neurons (or muscles) to control external devices. By measuring your forearm's EMG signals, The Claw translates each muscle flex into grip or release motions. This is similar to how real prosthetic limbs interpret a person's residual muscle activity to enable grasping objects. In this challenge, you’ll use your own muscles to stack cups in a fun test of skill, showcasing how biology and engineering unite to create modern assistive technologies.

Procedure

1) Electrode Placement: Place two electrodes on your forearm (where you can feel your muscle flex) and one on the back of your hand (ground). Connect the two red cable clips to the forearm electrodes, and the black clip to the hand electrode.

2) Power & Start Position: Insert a charged 9V battery. Press the power button on The Claw to turn it on. Press the second button to toggle the pincer’s start position (open or closed).

3) Test the Grip: Flex your arm muscles to see how The Claw reacts. Practice opening/closing motions by relaxing or flexing your forearm. Adjust electrode positions if the pincer doesn't move smoothly.

4) Cup Setup: Place six cups upside down on one side of your workspace. Your goal: stack them into a 3-2-1 pyramid in the center using only The Claw.

Gameplay & Rules

A) Stack the Cups:
• You may not reset The Claw’s start position mid-game.
• If you knock cups over, pick them up only with The Claw.
• If a cup goes out of reach, you lose the round.
• Create a 3-2-1 pyramid as fast as possible.

B) Dismantle the Pyramid:
• Once the pyramid is built, you must return the cups to their original stack, again using only The Claw.
• If you’re racing friends, see who finishes first or set a timer to beat your personal record.

C) Experiment with Variations:
• Try placing cups at different distances or angles.
• Use different muscle groups (bicep vs. forearm) to control The Claw.
• Introduce new challenges like obstacles or different objects to pick up.

Analysis & Troubleshooting

Data Points:
• Record time to complete the pyramid and time to dismantle.
• Note how flex strength correlates with Claw grip stability.
• Observe any changes in muscle fatigue over multiple rounds.

Questions:
• How does electrode placement affect motion control?
• Does The Claw respond to partial vs. full flexion differently?
• How might we improve reliability or prevent cups from slipping?

Troubleshooting:
• Weak or jittery movement? Check battery charge and secure electrode placement.
• Claw moving by itself? Make sure cables are oriented correctly and avoid EM interference.
• No movement, but LED lights appear? Press the position-change button or power cycle the device.

Next Steps:
• Challenge a friend to a timed race.
• Try different objects to test The Claw’s grip precision.
• Experiment with advanced placements—like your bicep or other muscle groups—to see how your control changes.

This fun demo of neuroprosthetics is just the beginning. Real BMIs help restore independence to people with disabilities. You’re exploring the same foundational concepts used in medical applications worldwide!

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