Regression convolutional neural network for improved simultaneous EMG control

OBJECTIVE Deep learning models can learn representations of data that extract useful information in order to perform prediction without feature engineering. In this paper, an electromyography (EMG) control scheme with a regression convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed as a substitute of conventional regression models that use purposefully designed features. APPROACH The usability of the regression CNN model is validated for the first time, using an online Fitts' law style test with both individual and simultaneous wrist motions. Results were compared to that of a support vector regression-based scheme with a group of widely used extracted features. MAIN RESULTS In spite of the proven efficiency of these well-known features, the CNN-based system outperformed the support vector machine (SVM) based scheme in throughput, due to higher regression accuracies especially with high EMG amplitudes. SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate that the CNN model can extract underlying motor control information from EMG signals during single and multiple degree-of-freedom (DoF) tasks. The advantage of regression CNN over classification CNN (studied previously) is that it allows independent and simultaneous control of motions.