From September 13 to 16, 2023, CYBATHLON will showcase the progress of assistive technologies through six hands-on demonstrations in Hall 4. CYBATHLON is an international competition dedicated to promoting assistive technologies and the inclusion of people with disabilities. As a non-profit project initiated by ETH Zurich, it serves as a global platform, inviting researchers and developers from around the world to create assistive technologies in eight disciplines that can enhance the daily lives of individuals with disabilities.
Since its inception in 2013, over 120 teams from more than 30 countries have participated. What sets CYBATHLON 2024 apart from other international competitions, such as the Paralympics, is its focus on everyday tasks that involve the use of assistive technologies like motorized prosthetics or exoskeletons.
Why is inclusive design and the potential of artificial intelligence important for self-determined living? The CYBATHLON project addresses these and other questions at this year's REHACARE. The "Inclusive Design" exhibition invites trade visitors as well as the general public to learn about and discuss the significance of user-centered research and development in the field of assistive technology.
Various hands-on demonstrations allow visitors to test and experience the technologies firsthand. A particular highlight is the CYBATHLON Brain-Computer Interface Game, where visitors can try out a simple brain-computer interface within the context of the CYBATHLON game. In CYBATHLON competitions, development teams, together with individuals with disabilities, must tackle various everyday tasks based on a specially designed set of rules. At the CYBATHLON booth, international teams will perform live demonstrations of their innovative technologies addressing challenges in daily life.
A special highlight will be the presentations by teams such as Autak, Scewo, Bionicohand, Makerhand, and others. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand how these technologies can improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. A detailed schedule of live demonstrations by various teams can be found on the website.
"We are delighted to be present at REHACARE 2023 once again. The world's largest trade fair for rehabilitation and care provides us with a unique platform, and we are proud to share the common vision of 'self-determined living' at the event," said Annegret Kern, co-leader of CYBATHLON.
REHACARE.com; Source: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
