CYBATHLON in 2024: A Year of Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact

The year 2024 marked a massive chapter in the history of CYBATHLON, a pioneering initiative by ETH Zürich aimed at advancing assistive technologies and promoting social inclusion for people with disabilities. From the CYBATHLON Challenges 2024 to the grand CYBATHLON 2024 event, this year showcased groundbreaking innovation, global collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving lives. As we approach the end of the year, here’s a look back at the unforgettable milestones that shaped CYBATHLON in 2024.

CYBATHLON Challenges 2024

The CYBATHLON Challenges 2024 kicked off the year with pilots and teams from around the world tackling discipline-specific tasks to test and refine their assistive technologies. On 2 February 2024, the third and final CYBATHLON Challenges took place on the Road to CYBATHLON 2024. 18 teams from 9 countries competed against each other showcasing their current technology and the pilot’s skills in four selected tasks of their discipline of the CYBATHLON 2024 Races & Rules. The Challenges provided a platform for teams to test their systems in real-world scenarios, gaining valuable insights to enhance their performance.

“It’s not just about competition; it’s about collaboration and innovation,” said Prof. Robert Riener, initiator of CYBATHLON. “The Challenges are where breakthroughs are born.”

Events, Research, and Media Spotlights

CYBATHLON maintained a strong global presence throughout the year, participating in major tech and disability-focused events. From exhibiting at Lifelong Learning Hub with hands-on demo on Brain-Computer Interface, Mobility Inclusion, Lions Club Kloten, Zivilschutz Olten, and Rad Paracycling World Cup Zürich to hosting test events for Brain-Computer Interface and Functional Electrical Stimulation Bike Races for teams, CYBATHLON amplified its mission to inspire innovation and drive meaningful conversations about accessibility.

The initiative also received extensive media coverage, with articles featured in IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, Nature, and Forbes. A standout moment was the Fox News feature highlighting KAIST’s exoskeleton advancements, which were described as "revolutionary for independence."

Researchers and scientists continued to build on CYBATHLON's legacy, with several academic papers published on technologies showcased in previous editions. One such study, featured in SpringerLink, explored how Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technologies improve health outcomes for people with spinal cord injuries.

Here are a few examples of the scientific papers published in 2024:

1. C. Bara, "CYBATHLON 2024 The Third Edition: What’s New and What’s Different? [Competitions]," in IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, vol. 31, no. 3, Sept. 2024. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10673761

2. Mick, S., Marchand, C., de Montalivet, É. et al. Smart ArM: a customizable and versatile robotic arm prosthesis platform for Cybathlon and research. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 21, 136 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01423-9

3. N. Sanna, R. Nossa, E. Biffi, A. L. Giulia Pedrocchi, M. Tarabini and E. Ambrosini, "Toward the implementation of High Intensity Interval Training during FES-Cycling: an exploratory study," 2024 IEEE International Workshop on Sport, Technology and Research (STAR), Lecco, Italy, 2024, doi: 10.1109/STAR62027.2024.10635927

4. N. Wannawas, C. Diaz-Pintado, J. Narayan and A. A. Faisal, "Accessible FES Cycling: Leveraging Cost-Effective Crank Angle Measurement and Reinforcement Learning for Stimulation Optimization," 2024 10th IEEE RAS/EMBS International Conference for Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (BioRob), Heidelberg, Germany, 2024, doi: 10.1109/BioRob60516.2024.10719849

5. Castañeda, T.S., Connan, M., Capsi-Morales, P. et al. Experimental evaluation of the impact of sEMG interfaces in enhancing embodiment of virtual myoelectric prostheses. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 21, 57 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01352-7

CYBATHLON 2024 Main Event

From 25 to 27 October, the SWISS Arena in Kloten, Switzerland, became the center of global attention as CYBATHLON 2024 welcomed 67 teams from 24 countries to compete across eight disciplines. With 6,000 spectators on-site and over 20,000 joining via livestreams worldwide, the event was a testament to the power of technology and human determination.

Pilots with disabilities, supported by teams of engineers and innovators, showcased assistive technologies in disciplines ranging from prosthetics and exoskeletons to vision assistance and robotic wheelchairs. "CYBATHLON is a unique intersection of science and humanity," said Dr. Tristan Vouga from EPFL. "Here, technology isn't just advancing; it's empowering lives."

Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zürich, shares his pride: “We are immensely proud of this event. As a university, our mission is to serve society, and part of that mission is translating complex technologies developed in our institutions into real-world applications. ETH created this competition to explore how these innovations can empower people with disabilities.” He further highlights, “We collaborate closely with industry partners, who are integral to this event, allowing us to accelerate technology transfer from industry to society.”

Key highlights included:

1. PittCrew’s Gold in the BCI Race: Using advanced brain-implant technology, pilot Phillip scored a perfect 100 points, a testament to the innovation and dedication of the team. "This isn’t just a win for us; it’s a win for everyone who believes in the potential of assistive technologies," said McKenzie.

2. KAIST’s WalkON Suit F1: KAIST claimed the top spot in the Exoskeleton Race with a groundbreaking wearable robot that demonstrated unmatched balance control and independent movement.

3. Team BeAGain’s Triumph in FES Cycling: In a race that came down to the wire, pilot Hunsub Lim powered his way to a first-place finish, showcasing how Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) can transform lives by enabling those with spinal cord injuries to cycle again. "This sport gave me a reason to step back into the world," Lim said, reflecting on the health benefits and social impact of FES.

4 BCIT Make+ Wheelchair Victory: The Canadian team delivered a flawless performance, completing all 10 tasks in the wheelchair race and breaking records with their innovative chair nicknamed “The BEAST.”

CYBATHLON 2024 was also a showcase of companionship. Teams shared knowledge, exchanged feedback, and celebrated each other’s successes. "Teams do not compete against each other but together against disability," said Vouga, emphasizing the collective spirit of the event

Social Media and Communications

In 2024, CYBATHLON's social media presence reached new heights, engaging a global audience with a dynamic mix of content celebrating assistive technology and the inspiring stories of pilots and teams. Across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X, CYBATHLON gained significant traction, with LinkedIn followers surpassing 7,000, reflecting a remarkable growth in professional engagement. The platforms featured captivating posts, live updates, behind-the-scenes footage, scientific papers and interactive Q&A sessions, resulting in thousands of likes, comments, and shares.

The CYBATHLON 2024 livestreams, promoted through social media, attracted over 20,000 viewers globally, while posts featuring team highlights, pilot interviews, and competition moments sparked vibrant conversations. This strong online presence not only amplified the event’s impact but also fostered a sense of global community among followers passionate about assistive technology and inclusion.

Voices of the CYBATHLON Community

The impact of CYBATHLON extends beyond the competition. Pilots, scientists, and stakeholders reflect on what makes this initiative so special:

Francesco Bettella, Paralympic medalist and WHi BCI pilot: “CYBATHLON is more than a competition; it’s a platform to show the world how technology can change lives.”

Salomé Nashed, silver medalist in the Vision Assistance Race: “The event fosters collaboration and innovation. It’s an honor to represent a team that’s shaping the future of accessibility.”

Prof. Robert Riener, CYBATHLON founder: “CYBATHLON has grown into a global movement, inspiring advancements in assistive technology and connecting communities worldwide.”

Looking Ahead

CYBATHLON 2024 was not just about winners; it was about breakthroughs, resilience, and the shared mission to create a more inclusive world. As the event concluded, teams expressed their excitement for the next edition in 2028, which will be hosted in Asia for the first time.

With every edition, CYBATHLON reaffirms its role as a catalyst for change, driving innovations that empower individuals with disabilities and demonstrating the boundless possibilities of human-technology collaboration.

Relive the excitement of CYBATHLON 2024 through the official highlights video and witness the incredible moments that made history.