Robotic Simulator of Vocal Fold Paralysis

Maria Elena Giannaccini, Andrew Hinitt, Edward Gough, Andrew Stinchcombe, Keren Yue, Andrew Conn, Jonathan Rossiter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Vocal fold disorders impact significantly on quality of life. Specifically, vocal fold paralysis can affect the ability to speak and breathe. To date, there has been a shortage of studies providing a quantitative characterisation of the effect of paralysed vocal folds on the frequency and amplitude of sound in phonation. In this paper we propose a novel bioinspired robotic simulator that physically replicates both healthy vocal fold function and two main pathological conditions in vocal fold paralysis: bilateral and unilateral paralysis. By analysing the audio data produced by our robotic simulator a correlation can be drawn between each type of paralysis and the effects on amplitude and frequency. Results show that in a healthy configuration, frequency response and vocal fold stress are mostly proportional and that their relationship is highly impacted by paralysis. In addition, our experimental results provide a mapping between vocal fold position and tension in our simulator and the resulting sound. These insights will inform laryngeal surgical procedures and help improve the effectiveness of current implant systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLiving Machines 2019
Subtitle of host publicationBiomimetic and Biohybrid Systems
EditorsVasiliki Vouloutsi, Anna Mura, Paul F.M.J. Verschure, Michael Mangan, Tony J. Prescott, Uriel Martinez-Hernandez, Minoru Asada
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages134-145
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9783030247409
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Jul 2019
Event8th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems, Living Machines 2019 - Nara, Japan
Duration: 9 Jul 201912 Jul 2019

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume11556 LNAI
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems, Living Machines 2019
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityNara
Period9/07/1912/07/19

Research Groups and Themes

  • Tactile Action Perception
  • Engineering Mathematics Research Group

Keywords

  • Bioinpired robotics
  • Vocal fold paralysis
  • Vocalisation

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