Brain-Computer Interface Race

BCIs have a wide range of potential applications in daily life, from operating a computer menu to communications and controlling an assistive device, such as a robotic arm or a wheelchair.

The BCI race takes place in the BCI game, i.e., a digitally animated scenario (computer game) in which the pilots must solve tasks by sending the appropriate commands at the right time.

More about the BCI Discipline

BCI Tasks

BCI Task | © CYBATHLON

General Game Structure

The BCI game consists of ten tasks. Three different devices (wheelchair, robotic arm, and cursor) are used. In one task, only one device type is used. There are five task types. The task types are presented in a fixed order. Each task type is repeated twice (5x2). The total number of independent commands that can be applied in the game is 3 (2 continuous, 1 binary).

Task type 1: Furniture (Device: Wheelchair) - Brain-Computer Interface Race Task | © CYBATHLON

Task type 1: Furniture (Device: Wheelchair)

In daily life, spaces can be full of obstacles which need to be avoided to reach a destination safely, e.g., when using an electric wheelchair.

The pilot must negotiate a set of furniture obstructing their path to cross a virtual room and reach the door at the other side by controlling a wheelchair avatar.

Task type 2: Vacuum cleaner (Device: Wheelchair) - Brain-Computer Interface Race Task | © CYBATHLON

Task type 2: Vacuum cleaner (Device: Wheelchair)

In daily life, it is often necessary to navigate around moving persons, animals, objects, or devices. In such situations, it is important to be able to adapt and react.

Pilots must cross the room while avoiding the moving vacuum cleaner(s).

Task type 3: Ice Machine (Device: Robotic Arm) - Brain-Computer Interface Race Task | © CYBATHLON

Task type 3: Ice Machine (Device: Robotic Arm)

For certain situations in everyday life, it is important to be able to hold a position for some time and wait. For example, filling a glass of water or not moving the wheelchair in a confined space such as in a crowded elevator.

The pilot must position a glass under the ice machine and hold the glass still to catch all the falling ice cubes.

Task type 4: Key Lock (Device: Robotic Arm) - Brain-Computer Interface Race Task | © CYBATHLON

Task type 4: Key Lock (Device: Robotic Arm)

Manipulating small objects is essential to solve many tasks in daily life.

The pilots must navigate a key to the lock and turn the key to open or close the door.

Task type 5: Computer Screen (Device: Cursor) - Brain-Computer Interface Race Task | © CYBATHLON

Task type 5: Computer Screen (Device: Cursor)

Many tasks in daily life, either privately or professionally, are done on computers. Thereby, it is often very helpful or even necessary to be able to control a cursor on the screen.

The pilots must navigate a cursor on the screen and click on the target icon.

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