Smart Wearable Assist Device for Hemiplegia Patients Using Wireless Technology

Abstract

This paper presents a low-cost, non-invasive wearable system integrating electromyography (EMG)-controlled actuation with real-time vital sign monitoring for upper-limb rehabilitation, targeting hemiplegia patients. The platform uses surface EMG electrodes to detect muscle activity from the biceps or forearm, processed via Arduino UNO with filtering, auto-calibration (resting-to-max contraction), and dynamic thresholding to drive a high-torque (60 kg-cm) servo motor via nylon tendon cable, enabling smooth assistive movements. Concurrently, a MAX30102 sensor measures heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) through IR/RED photoplethysmography, while a DS18B20 provides precise body temperature readings.This system advances affordable human-machine interfaces for prosthetics, assistive robotics, and biomedical education, paving the way for wireless telemedicine integration. Hemiplegia and neuromuscular disorders impair voluntary motion in over 15 million patients annually, demanding affordable wearables that blend intuitive control with health monitoring. This study introduces an integrated, non-invasive biomedical system leveraging surface electromyography (EMG) for proportional servo actuation alongside real-time tracking of heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and temperature. EMG signals from biceps/forearm muscles are captured via three-electrode array, amplified at isolated 10V, and processed on Arduino UNO using rectification, low-pass filtering, and auto-calibration (3-5s rest/max contraction phases yielding dynamic thresholds, e.g., 20-120% baseline). Processed states (relaxed/active) drive a 60 kgcm metal-gear servo through nylon tendon-pulley for smooth elbow assistance, with home-return on relaxation.