A Brief Overview of CYBATHLON
Launched by ETH Zurich, the CYBATHLON challenges teams from around the globe to develop and compete with innovative technologies that aid people with physical disabilities. This competition not only pushed the boundaries of assistive devices but also fostered a spirit of inclusivity and technological advancement.
The Japanese Contenders
The Japanese team, formed in 2019, was a collaboration between Osaka Electro-Communication University, Osaka Electro-Communication High School, and R-Techs Co., Ltd. Since its inception, the team gained valuable experience, participating in the CYBATHLON Series 2019 and the CYBATHLON Global Edition 2020. These events provided the team with crucial insights into overcoming daily life barriers through technological innovation.
Meet the Pilot: Toshiki Ogura
For the CYBATHLON 2024, the team’s pilot, Toshiki Ogura, navigated the challenges using the third prototype of the RPWheel wheelchair. This cutting-edge, four-wheeled chair was designed to tackle rough terrain and navigate through narrow spaces with ease. One of its standout features was a compact robotic arm, engineered to assist with daily tasks such as retrieving objects and opening doors. The innovative design and functionality of the RPWheel wheelchair exemplified the strides being made in assistive technology.
Support from Swissnex in Japan
Swissnex in Japan was proud to support the event in Osaka with the following onsite team:
- Referee: Elliot Stanton
- Scorer: Akemi Kisumi
- Manual Scorer: Minami Kotani
They trained alongside the Japanese team, ensuring the competition ran smoothly and fairly.
This event was a testament to the power of innovation and the drive to make the world more accessible for everyone. Let’s celebrate all the participants and the spirit of the CYBATHLON!
