Paralysed man plans to pedal to victory at world's first 'Cybathlon' competition

  • Anglia
Paul Moore in training. Credit: ITV Anglia.

Powered prosthetics, robotic body suits and a Brain Computer Interface Race are just some of the categories teams will battle it out in at the world's first ever Cybathlon in October.

The competition in Zurich will see people with physical disabilities competing using robotic technologies designed by their team mates.

he competition in Zurich will see people with physical disabilities competing using robotic technologies.

One of the athletes who’ll be competing in Zurich is Paul Moore from Peterborough. He's preparing to compete with 'Team Berkelbike' in the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) category.

Paul was left paralysed below the chest by a motorbike accident 36 years ago. Using FES technology, he can make his legs move again because it bypasses his brain to stimulate the muscles.

Paul is in control of how much electricity he administers. Credit: ITV Anglia.

By attaching a number of electrodes to his legs he can apply electricity to his muscles. Paul is in control of how much electricity he administers - the more he applies, the faster he will pedal. Just like in any distance race - Paul must balance his stamina and his speed.

Teams from all over the world will compete in six different disciplines at the Cybathlon:

  • - Brain Computer interface Race

  • - Functional Electrical Stimulation

  • - Powered Arm Prosthesis Race

  • - Powered Leg Prosthesis Race

  • - Power Exoskeleton Race

  • - Powered Wheelchair Race

Teams will compete on courses designed to test how well suited a given technology is to helping its user with everyday tasks, for example climbing stairs or opening doors.

Paul hopes the Cybathlon will inspire others by promoting the use of robotic assistive aids to the public. Credit: ITV Anglia.

Paul is one of two potential pilots hoping to pedal for Team Berkelbike at the Games in Zurich.

Paul hopes the Cybathlon will inspire others by promoting the use of robotic assistive aids to the public, as well as encouraging more collaboration between technology developers and people with disabilities.

Click below to watch Chloe Keedy's report