Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a groundbreaking wearable ultrasound device that enables wireless, long-term monitoring of muscle activity, with potential applications in healthcare and human-machine interfaces. The compact device adheres to the skin, is powered by a lightweight battery, and delivers high-resolution tracking of muscle function without invasive procedures. Published in Nature Electronics, the study led by Sheng Xu and Jinghong Li demonstrates the device’s capabilities in monitoring diaphragm motion and thickness to assess respiratory health. For instance, when placed over the rib cage, it accurately detects diaphragm thickness with submillimeter precision, distinguishing shallow and deep breathing patterns, making it invaluable for diagnosing conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and COPD. Additionally, the device offers a promising alternative to traditional electromyography (EMG) by using a single ultrasound transducer to penetrate deep tissues, providing higher resolution and more reliable data.
On the forearm, the wearable ultrasound tracked wrist and hand muscle movements, enabling users to control a robotic arm and play virtual games. With the aid of an AI algorithm, it maps ultrasound signals to specific muscle distributions, recognizing gestures and capturing detailed motion with 13 degrees of freedom, including 10 finger joints and three wrist rotation angles. The system’s potential applications span prosthetics, gaming, and other human-machine interface technologies. Key innovations include a custom wireless circuit, a long-lasting lithium-polymer battery, and a flexible silicone elastomer casing that ensures portability and comfort. Moving forward, the researchers aim to improve the device’s accuracy, energy efficiency, and computational capabilities. This technology could revolutionize respiratory care, rehabilitation, and interactive systems, offering a non-invasive, high-resolution alternative for continuous muscle monitoring.
