The University of Alberta is the only team from North America competing in the Cybathlon, also known as the rehabilitation technology Olympics.
“The University of Alberta is a world leader in machine-learning technologies, in rehabilitation technologies, and in neuroscience technologies, and this competition was a way for us to really show that to the world,” said Patrick Pilarski, a professor of medicine at the U of A.
The devices feature a combination of machine learning, like AI and bionics, which Cybathlon competitor Chris Nielson says demonstrates how far the technology has come since the first prosthetics.
“In my personal experience, my very first prosthesis, I had two signals. Those two signals were open and close. Now, I am running with a device that easily gives me five signals, and when you get that much more control, it opens doors,” Nielson said.
Nielson’s Bento Arm adapts to the user’s needs, improving accessibility and functionality.
But none of those features were used in the competition this year.
“We do have machine technology on the limb that Chris ran, we just chose not to deploy it for these particular tasks,” said Pilarski. “It’s not like there’s a huge barrier to get there, we’re really excited to showcase through Cybathlon how continual machine learning technologies can really change the ways people use, interact with, and improve their devices.”
Pilarski adds this performance demonstrates Alberta’s place as one of the world leaders in the industry, adding the university is already looking forward to returning for the 2028 Cybathlon.