BCI

In the BCI race at the CYBATHLON 2020 Global Edition the pilots are equipped with Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) that enable them to control the behavior of their avatar in the especially developed computer game "BrainDriver". During the race, pilots sit in front of their individual screen and see their avatar. The pilot who steers his avatar furthest towards the finish line within the time limit of 4 minutes wins the race.

The challenge is that the thoughts must be transmitted correctly. The avatar moves correctly and quickly only if the computer receives the correct brain signal at a specific moment. If the computer receives the wrong brain signal at the wrong moment, the avatar slows down. The BCI race therefore tests the reliability and precision of this technology in a virtual game.

Scientific article in the journal Frontiers for Young Minds about the Brain-​Computer Interface (BCI) Race discipline at the CYBATHLON 2016. Suitable for readers of all ages.

Inclusion criteria for pilots

The pilots participating in the BCI race have complete or severe loss of motor function (i.e. paralysis) at the neck level due to a spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, neurological disease, or another trauma.

New BCI game for CYBATHLON 2020

The new BCI game “BrainDriver” addresses the issue of mobility, and involves navigating vehicles through a race course. As before, there will be four control commands: those to the right and left can be anticipated, while for switching on the headlights the pilot must act to a suddenly changing environment. In certain sections the pilots are also challenged not to send a signal.

The BCI Game “BrainDriver” was developed in collaboration with Insert Coin.