Key points from article :
Cybathlon 2024 in Switzerland brought together teams from 24 countries in a hybrid competition, highlighting advances in assistive technology designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Held live in Kloten and at global hubs, the event featured 67 teams competing in disciplines such as obstacle courses with prosthetic arms and legs, wheelchair navigation, and races with thought-controlled technology.
Two new events were introduced this year: an obstacle course for vision-assistive technology and an Assistant Robot Race. These featured innovative devices like a smart cane, a robotic guide dog, and a chest-mounted feedback system for guiding blind participants. Competitor Samuel Kunz remarked on the camaraderie and impact of the competition, as each innovation represents progress toward better lives for people with disabilities.
Robert Riener, professor at ETH Zurich and Cybathlon founder, emphasized the importance of cantering technology around user needs, a sentiment echoed by co-director Anni Kern, who praised the collaborative spirit among participants. This Cybathlon was the first post-pandemic hybrid event and will be the last hosted in Switzerland for now, with plans for a future event potentially in Asia. The event attracted 6,000 live attendees and 15,500 virtual viewers, highlighting its global reach and the excitement surrounding advancements in assistive technology.
