Sensing Life
Biometric sensors allow robots to understand the physiological state of humans. This is crucial for Medical Robotics, Assistive Devices (like smart prosthetics controlled by muscle signals), and Social Robots that can detect human stress or emotion.
Optical Heart Rate (PPG)
Photoplethysmography (PPG) measures blood volume changes in tissue using light. Common in wearables.
Best for: Health monitoring wearables, stress detection
Electromyography (EMG)
Detects the tiny electrical potential generated by muscle cells when they activate. Used to control robotic prosthetics.
Best for: Prosthetic hand control, gesture recognition, biomechanics Analysis
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
Measures the electrical conductance of the skin, which changes with sweat gland activity (arousal/stress).
Best for: Lie detection, emotion sensing, stress monitoring
Arduino - Reading Analog Pulse Sensor
// Pulse Sensor Amped
int pulsePin = 0; // Pulse Sensor purple wire connected to analog pin 0
int signal = 0;
int threshold = 550; // Determine which Signal to "count as a beat" and which to ignore.
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
signal = analogRead(pulsePin); // Read the Pulse Sensor
Serial.print("Signal: ");
Serial.print(signal);
// Visualize the heartbeat
if(signal > threshold){
Serial.println(" ♥ BEAT");
} else {
Serial.println("");
}
delay(20);
}