Cheung Man Loc Leo

Cheung Man Loc Leo

Mechanical engineer specializing in robotics and automation, with significant experience in designing and developing advanced robotic systems

MSc Project - Wireless Motorized Foot Controller for SuperLimb

MSc Project: Design and Analysis of Wireless Motorized Foot Controller for Enhanced Control of SuperLimb

Project Overview

The project aimed to develop wearable robots and controllers that enhance human physical abilities and compensate for lost abilities. Specifically, a Motorized Foot Controller was built with haptic feedback and trajectory assistance to wirelessly control a SuperLimb. The controller also enables seamless interchange between multiple smart home devices using multiple ESP slaves.

Key Features:

  • Motorized Foot Controller: Equipped with haptic feedback and trajectory assistance.
  • Wireless Control: Facilitates control of SuperLimb and multiple smart home devices.
  • API Development: Built API for the Foot Controller to control SuperLimb and smart home devices interchangeably.
  • Ergonomics and Motion Analysis: Conducted quantitative experiments on foot motion and overall ergonomics, leading to improved motion and control.

Contributions

  • Mechanical vs Motorized Analysis: Comparative analysis of mechanically coupled vs motorized SuperLimb systems.
  • BLDC Motors and Encoders Implementation: Integrated BLDC motors and encoders on both the SuperLimb and Foot Controller.
  • Wireless Communication System: Developed a wireless communication system for the SuperLimb.
  • Haptic Feedback Functionality: Implemented haptic feedback to improve user interaction with the environment.
  • Trajectory Assistance: Provided trajectory correction to enhance foot gesture accuracy.
  • Foot Motion Analysis: Conducted detailed analysis of foot motion, improving controller ergonomics.
  • Multi-device Applications: Enabled the controller to interact with multiple smart home devices.
  • API Development: Built API for Foot Controller to control SuperLimb and smart home devices interchangeably.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates the design and analysis of a wireless motorized foot controller, showcasing the importance of haptic feedback and trajectory assistance for enhanced control of a SuperLimb. The results highlight the controller's potential to improve user experience and functionality, particularly for individuals with disabilities or those with unsteady hand movements.