Triumph at Cybathlon 2024: Teams Shine with g.tec’s Cutting-Edge EEG Technology

The Cybathlon 2024 in Zurich once again proved to be a global stage for groundbreaking innovation, unwavering determination, and the life-changing potential of advanced technology. A standout feature of this year’s event was the exceptional performance of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) teams leveraging g.tec’s state-of-the-art EEG headsets and biosignal amplifiers.

These cutting-edge technologies were instrumental in the remarkable achievements of Team WHi, WHi Students, and NeuroCONCISE, who secured 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places in the highly competitive BCI Race.

Copyright: ETH Zurich

The Winners at a Glance

2nd Place: Team WHi
University of Padua, Department of Information Engineering, Italy

• Pilot: Francesco Bettella
• BCI Technology: g.GAMMAcap with the g.USBamp

3rd Place: Team WHi Students
University of Padua, Department of Information Engineering, Italy

• Pilot: Filippo Boldrin
• BCI Technology: g.GAMMAcap with the g.USBamp

4th Place: Team NeuroCONCISE
University of Bath’s Institute for the Augmented Human

• Pilot: Owen Collumb
• BCI Technology: g.Nautilus RESEARCH

The remarkable performance of these top-ranking teams highlights the exceptional capabilities of g.tec’s cutting-edge EEG technology. The combination of the g.GAMMAcap with the g.USBamp biosignal amplifier and the wearable g.Nautilus RESEARCH headset proved instrumental in achieving precise neural signal processing, enabling the pilots to excel in the demanding Brain-Computer Interface Race.

Copyright: ETH Zurich

Team WHi: A Decade of Excellence and Friendship

Led by Luca Tonin from the Laboratory of Intelligent Autonomous Systems at the University of Padua, Team WHi has been a part of Cybathlon since its inception. Luca credits much of their success to the enduring partnership and friendship with pilot Francesco Bettella.

Francesco, a decorated Paralympic swimmer, brought his competitive spirit to the BCI Race. His transition from swimming to BCI control showcases not only his adaptability but also the revolutionary potential of this technology. The team hopes to inspire future applications, such as controlling mobile devices and wheelchairs with BCI systems, bringing autonomy to those with severe physical disabilities.

Copyright: ETH Zurich

Team NeuroCONCISE: Resilience and Innovation

Representing the University of Bath and the Ulster University, NeuroCONCISE continues to lead in EEG-based brain-computer interface research. Pilot Owen Collumb, a former athlete turned advocate for disability inclusion, embodies resilience. Despite life-altering injuries from a motorcycle accident, Owen’s determination to overcome challenges remains unwavering.

The team, led by Professor Damien Coyle, has consistently refined their strategies to meet the evolving challenges of Cybathlon. Their use of motor imagery to generate precise control signals highlights the real-world applicability of BCIs for individuals with mobility impairments.

Copyright: ETH Zurich

BCI Technology: A Game-Changer

At the core of these achievements lies the g.tec’s brain-computer interfaces and neurotechnologies,  state-of-the-art biosignal amplifiers from g.tec medical engineering. Its high-performance technology, high-resolution data capture, and user-friendly design make it an ideal tool for competitive and research applications alike. By translating brain signals into actionable commands, the headset enables pilots to control virtual vehicles with remarkable precision, even under the intense pressure of competition.

Copyright: ETH Zurich

The Challenges of Competing in a Cybathlon 2024 BCI Race

Competing in a BCI Race at Cybathlon 2024 is a formidable challenge, requiring the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, human cognition, and meticulous training. Pilots with physical impairments must harness their mental focus to control a computer cursor or robotic system using brain signals alone, which demands exceptional concentration and mental endurance.

g.tec’s high-performance solutions, such as the g.Nautilus EEG headset and g.USBamp biosignal amplifier, are the most suitable tools for meeting these demands. Designed for real-time applications like the Cybathlon BCI Race, these technologies excel in accurately interpreting neural signals, even amidst challenges such as varying brainwave patterns, environmental noise, and technical complexities. With their unparalleled signal clarity and system reliability, g.tec’s solutions ensure athletes can perform at their best under competitive pressure.

A Vision of the Future

The performances of teams like WHi and NeuroCONCISE highlight the incredible progress in BCI systems and their potential to revolutionize daily life for individuals with severe physical limitations.

By empowering users to control devices directly with their thoughts, BCIs pave the way for a more inclusive future where technology bridges the gap between capability and opportunity. As Francesco Bettella aptly put it: “I believe in the best and give my best.” The spirit of Cybathlon 2024 echoes this sentiment—a celebration of innovation, perseverance, and the boundless potential of the human mind.

Watch the BCI Race Videos