The electrical signal was measured based on the force applied to the muscle. Through this measurement, the researcher instructed the prosthesis’s motors to apply a specific amount of force during movement. Using a “simple” mechanism made from fishing line, João Gouveia, a researcher at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Human Robotics Lab, gave a demonstration on electromyography during a workshop as part of Bioengineering Week. The event, organised by the Biomedical Engineering students’ organisation and the Biological Engineering students’ organisations at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, took place between 4 and 7 May at Alameda campus.
João Gouveia uses this technique in his research to understand the effect of electrical stimulation on muscle. “When the muscle contracts, it generates an electrical signal that can be detected. The more force we exert with the muscle, the stronger the signal becomes, allowing us to detect it and use it to replicate the force we are exerting on the muscle in an external device”, he explained. In addition to enabling “more natural” control of prosthetics, this technique can also be used to diagnose neurological disorders by observing motor nerves and identifying muscle atrophy.
The demonstration with the prosthesis attracted curious students, who took the opportunity to exchange ideas with the researcher. João Gouveia believes that Bioengineering Week is not only “a good way” for students to gain “direction”, but also motivation. As a former Biomedical Engineering student at Técnico, he believes that these events offer “a broader perspective than what is typically covered” in classes.
Alice Gomes and Teresa Ferreira, both biomedical engineering students, participated in the Bioengineering Week activities and attended the workshops. Teresa Ferreira, who had some knowledge of electromyography, found the demonstration interesting, noting that it is “always enriching to learn a little about all areas”. Alice Gomes, who is interested in biomechanics and biosignals, was impressed by how “affordable and accessible” the prosthesis built by the researcher was.
“The best edition in terms of logistics”
Gonçalo Serra, a Biological Engineering undergraduate student and the general coordinator of the 11th edition of Bioengineering Week, believes that this was “undoubtedly the best edition in terms of logistics”, representing “a significant leap forward from one year to the next”, with around 150 participants, 87 staff members, 22 exhibition stands and a start-up incubator”. For the event’s general coordinator, knowledge of different scientific fields is essential “in an increasingly multidisciplinary world”. “Bioengineering Week has a significant advantage because it not only focuses on Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering but also fosters collaboration with fields such as Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. “I think it makes sense for any student, even from outside the field, to attend our lectures”, he said. “This year, we had a very dedicated team. This was the largest and most ambitious edition, and there is no doubt that this was due to the engagement of the people and the staff”, he added.
The event, which was part of the Técnico Career Weeks, also featured lectures, debates, discussion sessions with alumni, pitches, a “Tease your Thesis” session (a format for presenting master’s theses), as well as a careers fair.
