Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Neural interfaces, exoskeletons, bionic prostheses, and transformable wheelchairs—these and other innovative devices were presented by developers at the Moscow Open Cybathletics Championship, held at the Phoenix Assistive Technology Center at VDNKh. This is the third citywide competition, combining athletics and willpower with the achievements of modern engineering and cutting-edge technology.
We explain how innovative assistive devices help people with disabilities perform familiar tasks and open up new opportunities.
Smart mirror and orthopedic trainer
Pavilion No. 37 (the Phoenix Assistive Technologies Center) at VDNKh hosted participants and spectators for all three days of the Moscow Open Cybathletics Championship. Athletes from across Russia demonstrated the capabilities of exoskeletons, neural interfaces, powered wheelchairs, and functional prosthetics, while Moscow and regional companies presented their latest developments.
The ground floor housed the "Innovation Showcase" exhibition. Russian manufacturers presented over 80 cutting-edge projects. Among them were a system for restoring hand motor function after stroke or injury, a platform for developing social skills in children, a smart mirror with speech therapy games, rehabilitation devices, bionic and cosmetic prosthetics, and other solutions designed to make life more comfortable for people with disabilities.
Moscow-based RehabMedical unveiled its latest invention, the "Dynamika" orthopedic trainer, designed to develop walking skills in children and adults. Its complex wheeled design supports the body's weight, allowing for upright posture and independent movement without restricting arm movement.
"The simulator helps develop motor skills in children with cerebral palsy and restore them after stroke, limb amputation, or spinal injury. Thanks to its sophisticated fastening system, dynamic frame, and adjustable height, it is suitable for the rehabilitation of patients of various ages, heights, and weights," explains the company's CEO, Natalia Kushvakha.
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Adaptive frame, electric wheelchairs, and a gadget for the visually impaired
Sport is accessible to anyone who wants to move forward. This is confirmed by the unique developments of Adaptive Sport. The adaptive support frame for the SkyTekSport all-season ski training simulator allows people with disabilities to independently develop their physical abilities, not by fighting fear, but by overcoming it calmly and at their own pace.
Today, over 150 Moscow-based companies operate in the assistive technology sector. Some of them presented their innovative developments at the championship. The company "Ortez" showcased vibrant and stylish orthopedic devices for arms and legs, corsets, and head supports essential for injury rehabilitation. The company "Krust" created a unique gadget for the visually impaired, "Voice," with mobile internet and voice control. It allows users to listen to music and audiobooks, make calls, and take notes. And the company "Innovatika" developed a wireless device for the hearing-impaired that transmits sound directly to a hearing implant.
A separate stand was dedicated to modern wheelchairs. Some are powered by an electric motor, while others gain speed thanks to an electric attachment resembling the front of a scooter. The device is resistant to snowdrifts and steep slopes, and its removable battery allows for comfortable travel around the world.
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Bionic prostheses and neural interfaces
At the Innovation Showcase exhibition, Moscow manufacturers presented a wide range of modern prosthetics. These included cosmetic and functional bionic hands, wrists, forearms, shins, and feet. The capabilities of these artificial limbs are also impressive: wrists rotate 360 degrees, and fingers bend at the joints. And bionic prosthetics with sensors and microprocessor control perform movements based on muscle impulses. Large-volume carbon and rubber overlays contribute to their aesthetic appeal.
"I lost both legs while serving in a special military operation. I received prosthetics, but the mechanical designs weren't particularly appealing. So I tried 3D-printing my own. The first ones were made of cardboard bonded with carbon fiber film, then plastic, and finally, I settled on practical rubber. Not long ago, I registered my brand, and the first orders have already arrived," shares Boris Petrikov, founder of Nolan.
Among the cutting-edge developments, the neurochat system created by the Moscow-based company of the same name deserves special attention. This innovative hardware and software system enables people with speech and movement impairments to communicate online. Using a wireless neurochat headset, users can mentally focus on specific letters and images highlighted on the screen and then send a message to the chat.
Guests and participants of the championship were able to test modern neurotechnology in the right wing of the pavilion. Neuroracing was held there. Red cars surrounded by orange cones were controlled solely by the power of thought. A "pilot" propelled them forward and stopped them at the finish line using a wireless neuroheadset worn like a headband.
"It's a very interesting technology. It's not always easy to control the car the first time; you need to really concentrate to get it going. I think developments like this could significantly make life easier for people with disabilities and be a step into the future," says championship participant Pavel Kachura.
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Electric wheelchair racing
The championship's main event, the cybathletics track, hosted the cybathletics competition in seven disciplines. This year, three times as many participants applied as in the first season: 324 athletes from 46 regions of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Of these, experts selected 130. Various tracks were prepared for the cybathletics competitors. Speed was required, but precision was also a factor.
"The courses were challenging, and the cybathletes pushed themselves to the limit. We change the tasks and routes every time, introducing new disciplines. Participants can come to the center at any time to prepare for the competition. The lineup of competitors changes year after year: this time, the majority of athletes competed in the lower-limb prosthetics categories, and they demonstrated exceptional skills," says Alexander Lyubinsky, Director of the Cybathletics Union.
One of the most spectacular was the "Electric Wheelchairs" category. Participants navigated obstacles simulating everyday environments: elevators, ramps, stairs, and public transportation. Judges recorded their time and accuracy, then tallied their scores. After a fierce and spectacular battle, second place went to Elena Lebedeva, a graduate of the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Last year, she also won silver at the championship. Olga Persianova, meanwhile, once again took home the gold cup, completing the course in a record time of two minutes and 14 seconds.
"I've been using a wheelchair for 16 years now: I travel a lot around the city and use public transportation. I'm also developing the 'Wheelchair Football' project, which has an adult and youth team. I'll use the prize money to purchase a special wheelchair for the players," the winner shares.
The Phoenix Assistive Technology Center is a unique space for stimulating the growth of new developers and manufacturers of assistive technologies. The project, run by the Human Capital Development ANO, is being implemented for entrepreneurs in the field of assistive technologies, foundations, government organizations, and other companies involved in the industry.
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