Brain-Computer Interface Race

BCI

About the Discipline

Brain-computer interfaces can read your mind! At least today’s BCIs can measure brain signals. Most teams use electroencephalography (EEG) to detect brain signals; however, other methods, such as near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), are allowed. BCIs that use eye movements to capture thoughts are not allowed. Brain waves can be easily detected with this method, but this is not practical in daily life, where the eyes are needed for other tasks. In the BCI race, pilots with quadriplegia use brain-computer interfaces to control avatars in a computer game. The aim of this technology is to control devices such as wheelchairs for people with limited ability to move.

Downloads

BCI Results

Team

Race 1

Race 2

Race 3

1.
WHi
500
3m 9s
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500
2m 56s
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500
2m 52s
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2.
MAHIDOL BCILAB BCI
500
3m 28s
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500
3m 6s
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500
2m 56s
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3.
Neurobotics
500
3m 44s
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500
3m 33s
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500
3m 57s
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4.
SEC FHT
354
4m
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500
3m 55s
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500
3m 41s
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5.
Mirage91
440
4m 1s
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452
4m 1s
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500
3m 43s
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6.
NeuroCONCISE
439
4m 1s
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452
4m 1s
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350
3m 26s
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7.
Phoenix
439
4m
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437
4m
Play Video
496
4m
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= Highest score
= Best obstacle time
= Obstacle passed
= Did not finish
For further information check out the detailed CYBATHLON 2020 Global Edition’s Races and Rules

About the Competition

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.