Development of a robotic arm with and for people with tetraplegia

Situation

Once a person has suffered a spinal cord injury, they usually require assistive technology. The type of assistive technology depends on various factors, such as the level of injury and associated impairments, environmental factors, and personal factors (age, fitness,...). Assistive technologies promote participation in life and people affected are more independent, satisfied and have more self-esteem. CYBATHLON, "a non-profit project of ETH Zurich, sees itself as a platform that challenges development teams around the world to create assistive technologies with and for people with disabilities that are suitable for everyday life. Drivers of Cybathlon are international competitions and events." In this project, people affected are directly involved in the development process (needs, expectations, experiences, problem formulation/solution).