Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Computing, Robotics and Bionics 2
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,
Teaching staff
An appointment with the teacher must be arranged by institutional email.
Introduction
The first part of the course presents the potential of the Arduino microcontroller, and operation of the most useful sensors and actuators in medical robotics to provide the student with the basic knowledge for the design and implementation of active prostheses and human-machine-human interfaces. (HMI). There is also a brief introduction to modern control engineering to solve measurement and automatic control problems in the field of Biomedical Engineering.
The second part of the course will focus on neuroengineering of motor and sensory function, which provides methods of neuroscience and engineering to design solutions to problems associated with motor and sensory limitations and dysfunctions. In particular, the rehabilitation or recovery of motor and sensory functions through the use of neuroprostheses will be studied. Given the multidisciplinary nature of neural prostheses, this field has adopted multiple terminologies that are used synonymously, such as: bionic devices, neuroprostheses or neural prostheses.
Pre-course requirements
To access to the course it is required to have completed the following subjects:
First year subjects
Calculus
Second year subjects
Computing*
Fundamentals and Electronic Systems
Signal and Systems Theory
Third year subjects
Computing, Robotics and Bionics 1
Neurosciences Applied to Orthoprosthesis (recommended, but not mandatory)
*It is required to have achieved a good level of coding and computational thinking
Objectives
- Describe what Neuroengineering is and its main areas of application.
- Know the different neuroprostheses present in Neuroengineering and their operating principle.
- Understand the difference between a sensor and an actuator.
- Differentiate between an active and passive prosthesis and know its advantages and limitations.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Describe aspects related to bioengineering based on subject-specific books together with scientific publications at the forefront of knowledge.
- CN06 - Define the fundamental principles of the technologies used in the design and manufacture of micro- and nanosensors in biotechnology areas.
- CP01 - Interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) and issue judgements that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CP04 - Produce fixed and removable structures in medical device applications.
- CP08 - Apply biotechnological methodologies and tools for research, development and production of products and services.
- HB01 - Convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
- HB04 - Assess the social and environmental impact of technical solutions through the analysis and application of quality principles and methods.
- HB05 - Integrate a third language, usually English, in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment, with an adequate oral and written level and applying the terminology of bioengineering
- HB07 - Relate well-being with globalisation and sustainability, achieving skills for the use of technique, technology, economy and sustainability in a balanced and compatible way.
- HB12 - Evaluate manufacturing systems and processes, metrology and quality control.
- HB14 - Identify engineering concepts that can be applied in the field of biology and health.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Distinguish the conceptual and methodological foundations of the various platforms that make up bioengineering: biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, modeling, proteomics and genomics, drug delivery, project management...
• Apply the fundamentals of bioengineering in fields such as tissue engineering, orthotics, dental prosthetics, start-up creation, sustainability, and the design, manufacturing, and characterization of new medical devices.
• Define the characteristics of implants, dental prosthetics, radiological and surgical splints, relating them to osseointegration, prosthetic rehabilitation, and medical prescription.
• Define the materials and processes used in the manufacturing of implants, dental prosthetics, radiological and surgical splints.
Syllabus
Block 1. Computation and robotics.
1. The Arduino platform.
1.1 The Arduino family.
1.2 The Arduino UNO board.
1.2 The Arduino MKR1001 board.
1.3 The Integrated Development Environment, IDE.
1.4 Input and output ports. Digital inputs and outputs. Analog Inputs. Analog Outputs. PWM ports.
1.5 The Arduino programming language.
1.6 Extensions for Arduino (shields).
2. Sensors and actuators
2.1 Actuators: DC motor, servomotors, LEDs, LCDs.
2.1.1 Interfacing Arduino with actuators.
2.2. Sensors: Potentiometers, force, temperature.
2.2.1 Interfacing Arduino with sensors.
2.3 The Arduino libraries for the control of sensors and actuators.
3. Communication protocols
3.1 UART protocol.
3.2 SPI protocol.
3.3 I2C protocol.
3.4 Wi-Fi protocol.
3.5 Ethernet.
3.6 Bluetooth.
4. Interfacing Arduino with external software
4.1 Interfacing Arduino with Matlab.
4.2 Interfacing Arduino with Simulink.
Experimental activities: acquire data from sensors, control velocity and position of DC motors, control position of servomotors.
Block 2. Bionics. Motor and sensory function.
1. The muscular signal (EMG)
1.1. Origin of the muscular signal.
1.2. Recording and processing muscular activity.
1.2.1 Electromyography (EMG).
1.2.2 PNS neural interfaces.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | METHODOLOGY | COMPETENCES |
| Project-oriented learning is a method based on experiential and reflective learning in which the research process on a particular subject is of great importance. The aim is to resolve complex problems based on open solutions or tackle difficult issues that allow new knowledge to be generated and new skills to be developed by students. Lectures are the setting for: learning and managing the terminology and language structures related to each scientific field. Practicing and developing oral and written communication skills. And learning how to analyse the bibliography and literature on Bioengineering. Using guidelines to identify and understand the main ideas during lectures. This academic activity has been an essential tool in education since it first began and should have a significant presence within the framework of this degree programme. Reading texts with the aim of engaging critical thinking plays a fundamental role in learning for citizens who are both aware and responsible. An activity for outside the classroom. This activity means students can allow their knowledge to settle and rest, which is always necessary before beginning a new task. The professor sets out exercises and problems, helps students to progress in terms of the engineering process the design involves, and guides the student, thus partial goals are achieved that facilitate the incorporation of the theoretical knowledge acquired. An activity for outside the classroom. During this activity, students complete exercises autonomously, without the presence of a lecturer/professor. At this stage many questions always arise, but since they cannot be asked immediately then the student has to make more effort to understand them | Practical classes allow students to interact at first hand with the tools they will need to use in their work. In small groups or individually practical demonstrations will be carried out based on the theoretical knowledge acquired during the theory classes. In theory classes the fundamental and scientific knowledge that forms the basis of the knowledge and rigour that engineering studies require must be established. This teaching method is based on reflection, it can provide students with useful knowledge and skills to tackle problems efficiently in a shorter period of time. Group work is an essential tool in today’s society. In the field of bioengineering in which design and production processes are not carried out by an individual, it is essential to learn how to work as part of a team Individual work, involving study, the search for information, data processing and the internalisation of knowledge will allow students to consolidate their learning. | CB1 CB2 CB3 CB4 CB5 CE1 CE10 CE12 CE13 CE15 CE16 CE17 CE21 CE3 CE5 CE7 CE8 CG1 CG10 CG2 CG3 CG4 CG5 CG6 CG7 CG8 CG9 CT1 CT2 CT3 CT4 CT5 CT6 CT7 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final mark for the subject will be calculated as follows:
Nota= 0,3·Npar + 0,3·Nlab + 0,4·Nproj
where
Npar : Grade mid-term exam
Nlab : Lab grade
Nproj : Final project grade
No partial exam. No final exam.
To apply for the apt, it is essential to carry out the subject’s laboratory practicums.
Important considerations:
- Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Besides, plagiarism during exams will mean the immediate failing of the whole subject.
- In the second-sitting exams, the maximum grade students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (grade with honors distinction will not be possible).
- Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted.
- Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subjected to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
Bibliography and resources
[1] Farina et al. Introduction to Neural Engineering for Motor Rehabilitation. IEEE Press Series on Biomedical Engineering Book.
[2] Tojeiro Calaza, Germán. 2014. Taller de Arduino: un enfoque práctico para principiantes. Barcelona, Marcombo.
[3] Wilcher, Don. 2012. Learn electronics with Arduino. New York, Apress.
Evaluation period
- E1 18/05/2026 A08 15:00h