Bionic Prostheses will have their Olympic Games
Robotic prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, exoskeletons, adapted bicycles and brain machine interfaces will compete in the first competition for athletes equipped with bionic aids, to be held in Zurich. These bionic devices, with more and more technology in them, may allow athletes so equipped to beat able-bodied athletes, but that is not the aim!
In October 2016 Zurich (Switzerland) will host the first competition for athletes equipped with bionic aids: robotic prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, exoskeletons, adapted bicycles and brain‑machine interfaces. The latter allow quadriplegics to compete in video games, controlling their avatar by thoughts alone. These bionic devices, with more and more technology in them, may allow athletes so equipped to beat able-bodied athletes, but that is not the aim!
This type of augmented reality with robot assistance is at the heart of these new bionic games called Cybathlon. The purpose is not just to offer these cyborgs the opportunity to compete in a great sporting competition, but also to inform the wider public about the latest work on artificial prostheses, and to stimulate exchanges between research teams. The technological advancement sought in this competition is not for the sole purpose of sporting excellence. but is repaid in the prostheses designed for general use.
Each of t...