PREVIEW

Switzerland's Cybathlon Showcases Bionic And Robotic Marvels. The Swiss Arena in Kloten, Switzerland was home to an unusual sports event that may showcase humanity's bionic future. In the 'Cybathlon' from 24 to 27 October 2024, a total of 67 teams from 24 countries showcased their assistive technologies. Competitors optimised assistive systems, such as arm and leg prostheses, wheelchairs, and navigation tools for the visually impaired, for real-world application. The event featured eight unique disciplines, with pilots competing in events such as a thought-controlled virtual race, a bicycle race using electrical muscle stimulation, and obstacle courses for those with prosthetic limbs, robotic exoskeletons, and motorised wheelchairs. This year, two new disciplines were introduced: an obstacle course for vision-assistive technologies and an Assistant Robot Race. These additions highlighted the wide range of solutions teams brought forward, including robotic arms mounted on wheelchairs and even a robotic guide dog.