We designed and built a prototype biosensor intended to be used for powered lower limb prosthetics to predict gait intentions. Collaborating with undergraduate and graduate biomedical and electrical engineers, we built this device using a breadboard, an Arduino Nano, and a PCB.

Powered lower limb prostheses reduce strain and back injuries for users, but require a gate-predictive system in order to allow for smooth ambulation. Unfortunately, these predictive algorithms are not reliable due to the limited inputs as well as the bulky connections to external computers. Bluetooth and other similar transceivers are not always secure and have a high power drain.

Our prototype showed that the device could detect EMG and force sensor signals and safely transmit them using the natural conductivity of the human body (the Human Body Channel). This acted as a a secure and low-powered wireless transceiver for data, and would make the sensor fully wearable