Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of the ability to walk, speak, eat, and ultimately breathe without assistive medical devices such as ventilation and gastrostomy due to progressive muscle weakness. One major goal within ALS care is to not only prolong life, but also improve quality of life (QoL). To achieve this, it is crucial to research and develop augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems that facilitate rich interpersonal relations and performance such as nonverbal expression in a virtual space and playing instruments.
To aid these AAC systems, the electromyography (EMG) signal input can be employed as a new modality to augment embodiment of individuals with ALS into a virtual space. The wearable sensors can measure the EMG signals from even the slightest activations of residual muscles.
Researchers from NTT in Japan present a case study featuring DJ performances by an individual with ALS utilizing EMG-based avatar operation through subtle muscle activities in a live event. The group also conducted a pilot study on evaluating the EMG-based AAC system based on a basic physical movement and the DJ performance of the ALS individual in a laboratory environment.
The objective of the research is to explore the potential of EMG-based AAC systems for augmenting embodiment, promoting prolonged use, and understanding the feasibility for extending the applications to real environments across diverse contexts.
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