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Level 1 Level 1
Neuroengineering Neuroengineering

Neuroprosthetics: Exploring Human-to-Human Control

Ever wondered how it feels to control—or be controlled by—someone else? In this lab, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of neural communication and motor control with our Human-Human Interface experiment.

What Will You Learn?

• How the brain sends electrical signals to muscles to control movement.

• How to measure and influence neural communication using functional electrical stimulation.

• The basics of neuroprosthetics and their applications in medicine and technology.

Background

Moving lets us explore the world—walking, dancing, or even controlling a robotic limb. But how does the brain tell the body to move? In this lab, you’ll learn how neurons in the motor cortex send electrical signals down the spinal cord to activate muscles. By interfacing two human participants, you’ll experience how these signals can “borrow” another person’s muscles, uncovering the magic of functional electrical stimulation.


This experiment not only demonstrates the brain’s ability to control the body but also highlights the exciting applications of neuroprosthetics, from restoring movement to developing bionic limbs. Let’s hook up some electrodes and explore the science of movement!

Procedure

For this experiment, you will need 2 volunteers. One will be the "Controller", the person who is cotrolling the action. and one will be the Minon, the person being controlled.

Controller Setup

Place two EMG electrodes on the forearm, one on the back of the hand, and clip on the EMG cables using the alligator clips. Reds on the forearm muscle and black on the back of the hand.

Plug the orange cable into the HHI and turn it on. Have the controller flex their forearm muscles. With a sufficient strong flex, your controller should be able to light up all the LEDs. If needed, press the black button to make it easier or more difficult to light up the Red LEDs. The default mode works for most.

Minion Setup

Place the two square Minion electrodes close to each other across the ulnar nerve. The nerve runs up the back of your forearm. We recommend placing the electrodes just past the elbow on the backside of the forearm, but you can experiment with placement! Anywhere on the forearm will probably incite a response.

Once the electrodes are in place, turn off the HHI device and connect the Minion cable (black) to the Minion port of the HHI.,

Take Control!

Turn on the device but leave the intensity low. The Controller should flex, making sure to light up the red LED to reach the threshold.

Instruct the Minion to extend their forearm in front of them and bend at the elbow to make a 90 degree angle. Have them keep the arm relaxed.

While the Controller randomly moves their arm (and not too often), slowly turn up the intensity by turning the knob until you see some movement in the Minion. This is the "Threshold". If the Minion is comfortable, keep turning the knob up to invoke a stronger reaction.

If stimulation is felt but movement is not achieved, try rearranging electrode placements.