Title
Sub-optimally solving actuator redundancy in a hybrid neuroprosthetic system with a multi-layer neural network structure.
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has recently been proposed as a supplementary torque assist in lower-limb powered exoskeletons for persons with paraplegia. In the combined system, also known as a hybrid neuroprosthesis, both FES-assist and the exoskeleton act to generate lower-limb torques to achieve standing and walking functions. Due to this actuator redundancy, we are motivated to optimally allocate FES-assist and exoskeleton torque based on a performance index that penalizes FES overuse to minimize muscle fatigue while also minimizing regulation or tracking errors. Traditional optimal control approaches need a system model to optimize; however, it is often difficult to formulate a musculoskeletal model that accurately predicts muscle responses due to FES. In this paper, we use a novel identification and control structure that contains a recurrent neural network (RNN) and several feedforward neural networks (FNNs). The RNN is trained by supervised learning to identify the system dynamics, while the FNNs are trained by a reinforcement learning method to provide sub-optimal control actions. The output layer of each FNN has its unique activation functions, so that the asymmetric constraint of FES and the symmetric constraint of exoskeleton motor control input can be realized. This new structure is experimentally validated on a seated human participant using a single joint hybrid neuroprosthesis.
Year
DOI
Venue
2019
10.1007/s41315-019-00100-8
International Journal of Intelligent Robotics and Applications
Keywords
Field
DocType
Hybrid neuroprosthesis, Actuator redundancy, Rehabilitation, Neural network, Reinforcement learning
Feedforward neural network,Functional electrical stimulation,Simulation,Computer science,Control theory,Recurrent neural network,Motor control,Redundancy (engineering),Exoskeleton,Artificial neural network,Reinforcement learning
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
3
3
2366-5971
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
1
0.36
0
Authors
5
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Xuefeng Bao120.71
Zhi-Hong Mao228141.82
Paul W. Munro310.36
Ziyue Sun420.71
Nitin Sharma5709.45