Day 5

On Day 5, major progress was made in the integration and testing of the EMG-based gaming system. Out of the four EMG sensors, two were functioning properly and producing reliable outputs. The team shifted back from the XIAO S3 to the ESP32 microcontroller because it was more compatible with the existing hardware setup. The software code running on the ESP32 was completely debugged and tested successfully. Gameplay testing was carried out using both the Google Chrome Dino Game and Flappy Bird, where the EMG-based controls for upward and downward movement worked correctly, demonstrating successful communication between the hardware and the gaming interface.

Different muscle locations were tested to evaluate signal quality and consistency. The EMG sensor placed on the biceps generated clearer and more stable muscle activity signals, while the sensor placed on the forearm was unable to accurately distinguish between strong and weak muscle contractions. Additionally, the ADC pins of the ESP32 were found to be noisy, resulting in fluctuations in the sensor readings and affecting overall signal stability. Since different individuals produce different ranges of electromyographic outputs, the team decided to continue testing and calibration using the same test subject instead of switching between multiple people. This approach will help maintain consistency in sensor readings and improve calibration accuracy during the current development stage.

Alongside the technical work, progress was also made in the physical design and presentation aspects of the project. The CAD design for the outer casing was finalized and sent for 3D printing, while the top cover design was completed for laser cutting. All soldering work for the electronic components and circuit connections has been completed successfully. In preparation for the final demonstration, the storytelling presentation and project pitch were also written. The plan for the following day is to assemble all the components inside the casing, conduct integrated testing of all four EMG sensors simultaneously, and test the complete system across all five games to evaluate overall functionality, responsiveness, and user interaction.