The CYBATHLON - Bionic Olympics to Benchmark Assistive Technologies

Abstract

Assistive robotic technology will only fulfill its potential if devices are accepted and regularly used by people with physical disabilities in their everyday life. The Cybathlon is a unique championship in which people with physical disabilities compete against each other to complete everyday tasks using latest robotic technology. The competition herewith offers a platform to drive forward research and challenge the usability of assistive robots. Furthermore, it helps to promote inclusion by informing about chances and limitations of assistive technology and stimulating dialogue. The first Cybathlon competition organized by the ETH Zurich was successfully launched in 2016. Sixtysix pilots from 25 nations competed in a sold-out stadium (4600 spectators). Six disciplines were part of the competition comprising races with brain-computer interfaces (BCI), functional electrical stimulation driven bikes (FES), powered arm prostheses, powered leg prostheses, powered exoskeletons and powered wheelchairs. The event had an international outreach and promoted new developmental and research work of the participating and even non-participating teams on all continents. As such, the Cybathlon may serve as an example event for other fields targeting inclusive robotics for a better society.