Zurich will host its second Cybathlon in May when tech devices built to support people with disabilities are pushed to the limits across six disciplines. First held in 2016, it is back this year, with 90 international teams set to compete at the two-day event.
“Despite striking advances in assistive technology in recent decades, only a few devices are suitable for everyday use today,” said Robert Riener, Professor of Sensorimotor Systems at ETH Zurich and Initiator of the Cybathlon.
“The goal here is to create not the most complex devices, but the most useful ones.”
The disciplines are designed around everyday activities that prove the most challenging for people with disabilities. Modifications to the 2016 categories have been made based on input from users but the event titles are the same: Brain-Computer Interface Race, Functional Electrical Stim- ulation Bike Race, Powered Arm Prosthesis Race, Powered Leg Prosthesis Race, Powered Exoskele- ton Race and Powered Wheelchair Race.
Teams from all six continents will be in Zurich on 2-3 May, with Swiss television broadcasting the Cybathlon live.
“The participation of teams from all over the world shows that the Cybathlon has become an event with a global reach. The Cybathlon promotes international cooperation and playful competition in a highly socially relevant area,” added Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich.
