Disabled competitors display pioneering assisted technology
- Oct 11, 2016
- EmmaArnold
World's first 'bionic Olympics' sees people with disabilities from around the globe battle it out using cutting-edge assisted technology.
The Cybathlon, which featured athletes (dubbed as 'pilots') with bionic arms, robotic legs and brain-controlled computers took place near Zurich last weekend.
'Pilots' made their way over mutli-terrain surfaces in powered wheelchairs with their leg amputations or spinal cord injuries.
One race during the event saw paralysed pilots ride bikes using functional electrical stimulation (FES) with some attached to the surface of their skin.
A powered arm prosthetic race saw contestants cutting bread and opening jam jars in the breakfast-themed challenge as well as changing light bulbs and hanging up clothes.
Richard Edwards, Senior Solicitor at PotterReesDolan and Group Secretary of amputee charity ACSIL, said:
It’s really great to see this important area of technology in the spotlight. Assistive technologies form a crucial part of the rehabilitation package for the seriously disabled.
I have acted for a number of amputees who have benefited immensely from recent developments in this area. Unfortunately, however, the equipment is often very expensive and it can be hard to access the very best technology on the NHS.
If the individual has a viable claim, however, the cost of the equipment can be recovered from the insurers as part of the claim. This can make a huge impact and can help people get back to work or to enjoying favourite past times.
Those with prosthetic arms had hands attached in all different forms; some designed like a human hand and others more practical for easy grasping.
One company who develops these robotic hands said the next challenge for them is touch sensitive fingers.
The aim of the event was to spur on conversations between technologists and those living with disabilities.
Read our blog on the future of prosthetics and how one young clinical negligence client is determined not to let his recent leg amputation stop him in life.