Muscle-Computer Interface

An input modality in which signals generated by muscle contractions — typically recorded via surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors worn on the forearm or other muscle group — are interpreted by a computer to recognise discrete gestures or continuous control signals. Coined by Saponas et al. in 2008, MCIs extend decades of work on myoelectric control for powered prostheses into general-purpose HCI. For accessibility, MCIs are a promising always-available, hands-free input channel for people with severe motor disabilities who retain residual muscle activity but cannot reliably use keyboards, mice, touchscreens, or voice input.