aadeel akhtar , phd
Chief Executive Officer, Founder at PSYONIC
ceo , founder psyonic | 2021 mit tr35 innovator
PSYONIC
https://www.linkedin.com/company/psyonicinc
PSYONIC is redefining what it means to be human through biointegrated technologies. Our first product, the Ability Hand, is an advanced bionic hand that is accessible for people with upper limb amputations.
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Area
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Chief Executive Officer, Founder
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Currently on a leave of absence
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University of Illinois College of Medicine
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-illinois-college-of-medicine/
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Dissertation: Mechanisms for enabling closed-loop upper limb sensorimotor prosthetic control
Neuroscience
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign/
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis: Estimation of distal arm joint angles from EMG and shoulder orientation for transhumeral prostheses
Electrical and Computer Engineering
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign/
Master of Science (MS)
Computer Science
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Loyola University of Chicago
https://www.linkedin.com/school/loyola-university-chicago/
Bachelor of Science (BS), Honors
Minors: Neuroscience, Computer Science
Magna Cum Laude
Biology
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Loyola University Chicago
https://www.linkedin.com/school/loyola-university-chicago/
A barrier to practical use of electrotactile stimulation for haptic feedback has been large variability in perceived sensation intensity because of changes in the impedance of the electrode-skin interface, such as when electrodes peel or users sweat. We show how to significantly reduce this variability by modulating stimulation parameters in response to measurements of impedance. Our method derives from three contributions. First, we created a model between stimulation parameters and impedance at constant perceived sensation intensity by looking at the peak pulse energy and phase charge. Our model fits experimental data better than previous models [mean correlation coefficient (r^2) > 0.9] and holds over a larger set of conditions (participants, sessions, magnitudes of sensation, stimulation locations, and electrode sizes). Second, we implemented a controller that regulates perceived sensation intensity by using our model to derive a new current amplitude and pulse duration in response to changes in impedance. Our controller accurately predicts participant-chosen stimulation parameters at constant sensation intensity (mean r^2 > 0.9). Third, we demonstrated as a proof of concept on two participants with below-elbow amputations—using a prosthesis with electrotactile touch feedback—that our controller can regulate sensation intensity in response to large impedance changes that occur in activities of daily living. These results make electrotactile stimulation for human-machine interfaces more reliable during activities of daily living.
Controlling sensation intensity for electrotactile stimulation in human-machine interfaces
Science Robotics
http://robotics.sciencemag.org/content/3/17/eaap9770.short
The design of an ultrathin, conformal electronic device that integrates electrotactile stimulation with electromyography, temperature, and strain sensing in a single, simple platform is reported. Experiments demonstrate simultaneous use of multiple modes of operation of this type of device in the sensorimotor control of robotic systems, in the monitoring of lower back exertion and in muscle stimulation.
An Epidermal Stimulation and Sensing Platform for Sensorimotor Prosthetic Control, Management of Lower Back Exertion, and Electrical Muscle Activation
Advanced Materials
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201504155/full
This paper presents the Tact hand---an anthropomorphic, open-source, myoelectric prosthetic hand that was designed for use by people with transradial amputations in developing countries. This hand matches or exceeds the performance of other state-of-the-art myoelectric prosthetic hands, but costs two orders of magnitude less ($250) and is easy to manufacture with a 3D printer and off-the-shelf parts. We describe our design process, evaluate the Tact hand with both qualitative and quantitative measures of performance, and show examples of using this hand to grasp household objects.
Tact: Design and Performance of an Open-Source, Affordable, Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand
International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2015
In this paper we describe a multiplayer brain-computer interface (BCI) based on the classic game of checkers using steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs). Previous research in BCI gaming focuses mainly on the production of software-based games using a computer screen—few hardware-
based BCI games using a physical board have been developed. Hardware-based games can present a unique set of challenges when compared to software-based games. Depending on where the user is sitting, some stimuli might be farther away from the player, at a steeper viewing angle, conflated with competing stimuli, or occluded by physical barriers. In our game, we light squares on a checkerboard with flickering LEDs to elicit SSVEP responses in the subjects. When a subject attends to a particular square, the resulting SSVEPs are classified and a robot arm moves the selected piece. In a set of pilot experiments we investigated the ability of two subjects to use the SSVEP-based hardware game platform, and assessed how interstimulus distance, interstimulus angle, distance between target stimulus and subject, number of competing stimuli, and visual occlusions of the stimuli influence classification accuracy.
Playing checkers with your mind: An interactive multiplayer hardware game platform for brain-computer interfaces
2014 Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC)
In this paper, we present a passive linear skin stretch device that can provide proprioceptive feedback for multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) in a prosthetic hand. In a 1-DOF virtual targeting task, subjects performed as well with our device as with a vibrotactile array, and significantly better (p<0.05) than having no feedback at all. In a 3-DOF grip recognition task, subjects were able to classify six different grips with 88.0% accuracy. Training took 6 minutes and the average time to classification was 5.2 seconds. Subjects were also able to match a set of target grip apertures with 11.1% error on average.
Passive mechanical skin stretch for proprioception in a hand prosthesis
EuroHaptics 2014
http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-662-44196-1_16#page-1
Electrotactile stimulation is a common method of sensory substitution and haptic feedback. One problem with this method has been the large variability in perceived sensation that derives from changes in the impedance of the electrode-skin interface. One way to reduce this variability is to modulate stimulation parameters (current amplitude and pulse duration) in response to impedance changes, which are reflected in the time domain by changes in measured peak resistance, $R_p$. To work well, this approach requires knowing precisely the relationship between stimulation parameters, peak resistance, and perceived sensation. In this paper, experimental results show that at a constant level of perceived sensation there are linear relationships between R_p and both peak pulse energy, E_p, and phase charge, Q, from which stimulation parameters are easily computed. These linear relationships held across different subjects, sessions, magnitudes of sensation, stimulation locations, and electrode sizes. The average R^2 values for these linear relationships were 0.957 for E_p vs. R_p and 0.960 for Q vs. R_p, indicating a nearly perfect fit.
The relationship between energy, phase charge, impedance, and perceived sensation in electrotactile stimulation
2014 IEEE Haptics Symposium
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=6775435&tag=1
Thin, soft, and elastic electronics with physical properties well matched to the epidermis can be conformally and robustly integrated with the skin. Materials and optimized designs for such devices are presented for surface electromyography (sEMG). The findings enable sEMG from wide ranging areas of the body. The measurements have quality sufficient for advanced forms of human-machine interface.
Materials and optimized designs for human‐machine interfaces via epidermal electronics
Advanced Materials
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201301921/full
Current state-of-the-art upper limb myoelectric prostheses are limited by only being able to control a single degree of freedom at a time. However, recent studies have separately shown that the joint angles corresponding to shoulder orientation and upper arm EMG can predict the joint angles corresponding to elbow flexion/extension and forearm pronation/ supination, which would allow for simultaneous control over both degrees of freedom. In this preliminary study, we show that the combination of both upper arm EMG and shoulder joint angles may predict the distal arm joint angles better than each set of inputs alone. Also, with the advent of surgical techniques like targeted muscle reinnervation, which allows a person with an amputation intuitive muscular control over his or her prosthetic, our results suggest that including a set of EMG electrodes around the forearm increases performance when compared to upper arm EMG and shoulder orientation. We used a Time-Delayed Adaptive Neural Network to predict distal arm joint angles. Our results show that our network's root mean square error (RMSE) decreases and coefficient of determination (R2) increases when combining both shoulder orientation and EMG as inputs.
Prediction of distal arm joint angles from EMG and shoulder orientation for prosthesis control
2012 Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC)
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=6346883
Recently developed powered ankle prostheses are capable of providing users with biologically inspired control during walking. However, currently, the appropriate dynamic mechanical properties, or impedance, of the human ankle during walking is unknown. Before trustworthy estimates of the ankle's impedance can be obtained using the Perturberator robot, it must be thoroughly validated. In this study, the sensitivity of standing ankle impedance estimates to foot placement was investigated. Additionally, linear filters that mapped acceleration of the Perturberator motor angle to the forces caused by the robot's intrinsic impedance were determined. Lastly, impedance estimates of a prosthetic foot were obtained at four perturbation timing points during the stance phase of walking and compared to values obtained from an independent measure of prosthetic ankle stiffness. During standing, foot placement had a significant effect on ankle impedance measurements (p <; 0.001). The linear filters accounted for, on average, 98% of the variance in the forces caused by a perturbation. Lastly, when the impedance of the prosthetic foot was determined during walking, there was 3% error when compared to the stiffness measured by the independent measure at the appropriate timing in stance phase. This work was a preliminary, but important step toward our goal of determining the impedance of the human ankle during walking.
Validation of methods for determining ankle stiffness during walking using the Perturberator robot
2012 4th IEEE RAS & EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (BioRob)
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=6290840&tag=1
This project presents a novel application for using a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) based on Steady-State Visually Evoked Potentials (SSVEP) to play a game of checkers. A 6x4 checkerboard with squares lit by flickering LEDs to show possible moves was used to elicit SSVEP responses resonating at 10, 11, 12, and 13Hz in the players. Upon focusing one's gaze on a particular square on the checkerboard, the SSVEP generated was classified by applying a threshold to the frequency spectrum determined from EEG measurements. After classification, a robot arm was used to pick and place selected pieces on the board. The video shows the use of this SSVEP-based BCI to interact with the physical world where the positions of stimuli change according to user-input.
Playing Checkers with your Mind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spIVPw7XbCs&noredirect=1
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-harris-7114b233
Greater Boston
Nicholas Harris
CEO at Lightmatter, MIT TR35
https://www.linkedin.com/in/skotwiedmann
Champaign, IL
Skot Wiedmann
Polymath
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-cowan-4168a51a2
Urbana-Champaign Area
Marissa Cowan
Mechatronics Intern at Psyonic
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviarentz
Cincinnati, OH
Olivia Rentz
Mechatronics Intern at PSYONIC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-mauge
Champaign, IL
Richard Mauge
Designing and machining the future of prosthetics.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-s-lester
Falls Church, VA
Andrew Lester
Software Developer Intern at PSYONIC | CS @ UIUC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-cornman-283940137
Urbana, IL
Jesse Cornman
Design Engineer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/professorjeffreybrown
Urbana-Champaign Area
Jeff Brown
Illinois Gies Business Dean, Financial Economist, & Board Member with a passion for creating opportunities for others
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavika-kagathi
Greater Chicago Area
Bhavika Kagathi
R&D Intern at P&G - BioE & ECE @ UIUC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrios-gotsis-2560b91a2
Urbana-Champaign Area
Dimitrios Gotsis
PhD Student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickfang1124
Urbana, IL
Patrick Fang
Growth Manager, NachoNacho (B2B SaaS Marketplace) (WE'RE HIRING)
https://in.linkedin.com/in/pravin-nagar-83627261
South Delhi
Pravin Nagar
Research Scholar at IIIT-D
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmuhlstock
Greater Chicago Area
Ryan Muhlstock
J.D. Candidate at Chicago-Kent College of Law
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothychin328
Bloomington, IL
Timothy Chin
Data Scientist at State Farm ®
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-goodwin-83486a1
Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area
Shannon Goodwin
Developing Leaders at All Levels to Engage Employees, Enable High Performance, and Achieve Sustainable Results
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-gans-2187a98b
Taunton, MA
Joshua Gans
Residential Services Director at Commonwealth of Massachusetts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/merav-aharon-344833a3
Pasadena, CA
Merav Aharon
Software Engineer at NVIDIA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cradick-4343521b4
Lenexa, KS
Sarah Cradick
Product Development Scientist at Blue Earth Products
https://in.linkedin.com/in/sitish-ghosh-4548b5222
Kolkata
SITISH GHOSH
Student at MAKAUT
Andrew Harrington
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        We have had recent MS graduates take on a small section before.  Aadeel is the only person in that situation we have ever trusted to take on 100 students in our History of Computing class.  

He took his passion for robotics and created a new version of our introductory programming course centered on Lego robots.  From what I have seen and heard directly from his students, they are very enthusiastic about the course he designed and is teaching.  I have no memory of anyone else at adjunct instructor level designing a completely new and innovative course, totally voluntarily. Konstantin Läufer
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        Aadeel has impressed me in several respects. He studied a combination of robotics and computer engineering by custom-tailoring his computer science curriculum and developed a high level of expertise in these areas. He then had the opportunity to contribute to various research projects in the department of computer science. He also has excellent interpersonal skills and is a highly effective teacher. I have gotten to know Aadeel well during his time at Loyola and recommend him with the highest possible enthusiasm.
Shared by Aadeel Akhtar, PhD
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WAND -TV stopped by PSYONIC last week to cover our Ability Hand. Thank you Sophia Espinosa for dropping by!https://lnkd.in/d2iPvUC5
Liked by Aadeel Akhtar, PhD
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Georgia Institute of Technology Join IRIM tmorrow @ 12PM on campus and in Klaus for "Advances in Commercial Sensorimotor Bionic Limbs" with PSYONIC…
Shared by Aadeel Akhtar, PhD
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I'll be giving a talk at GaTech at noon tomorrow! If you're in the area come say hi. I'll have lots of bionic hands with me 🦾