Metamaterial Antenna Skin Enables Advanced Human Machine Interactions

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a pivotal area of research, especially in the advancement of intelligent industrial manufacturing. This research explores ways to optimize human-machine interaction by incorporating smart antennas, utilizing electromagnetically engineered metasurfaces embedded with advanced electronics. Specifically, we introduce a metamaterial antenna system governed by electromyography (EMG) signals, leveraging flexible wearable sensors to capture bioelectrical activity associated with muscle movements. These bioelectrical signals are then mapped onto different response states of the metamaterial antenna, enabling dynamic modulation of the spatial electromagnetic field. By establishing a direct control link between human muscle activity and the surrounding electromagnetic environment, this approach provides a novel means of achieving HCI. The experimental prototype conducted demonstration and validation experiments with four different EMG-controlled metasurface response speeds, confirming the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed HCI scheme.