The BCI Pioneers Coalition is thrilled to celebrate one of our own, Phillip McKenzie, for his extraordinary achievement at the 2024 Cybathlon! As the pilot for PittCrew, a team from the University of Pittsburgh’s Rehab Neural Engineering Labs (RNEL), Phill not only brought home a gold medal but also achieved a perfect score in the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Race.
Cybathlon is a global competition that brings together technology developers and individuals with disabilities to tackle real-world challenges using advanced assistive technologies. Competing remotely, Phill used cutting-edge brain implant technology developed by RNEL to navigate complex virtual tasks that simulate everyday activities, such as:
• Navigating a wheelchair through obstacles like furniture and even moving robots.
• Unlocking a door using a virtual key with precise brain-controlled movements.
• Holding a cup steady under an ice dispenser—requiring focus and calmness to succeed.
The Power of BCI Technology
Phill competed using four intracortical microelectrodes implanted in his brain, two in the motor cortex to control movement and two in the somatosensory cortex for simulating a sense of touch. For the BCI Race, he relied on the motor cortex implants, which decode brain signals to control a virtual environment with exceptional precision.
This innovative approach set PittCrew apart, as most teams in the competition used EEG-based systems. By recording directly from the brain’s motor cortex, Phill and PittCrew gained a unique advantage—showcasing the remarkable potential of implanted BCI technology.
Behind the Scenes: Hard Work and Determination
The PittCrew team, consisting of 11 researchers, worked tirelessly to optimize their hardware and software, preparing Phill for the competition. He practiced extensively at home and in the lab, mastering the skills needed to excel in the event.
“You never know exactly how it will go on the day itself, but Phill was completely confident. He had zero doubt that he was going to win,” said Ceci Verbaarschot, PittCrew’s team manager.
Phill’s achievement underscores the immense dedication of BCI research participants, who contribute their time, effort, and determination to help advance this transformative technology.
A Win for the BCI Community
This gold medal isn’t just a personal victory for Phill—it’s a milestone for the entire BCI community. It demonstrates how close collaboration between researchers and end-users can drive innovation and create technologies that empower individuals to overcome physical challenges.
As a BCI Pioneers Coalition member, Phill embodies our mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible with neurotechnology and inspire others along the way.
Congratulations to Phill and PittCrew on this incredible accomplishment! We look forward to seeing what’s next for this outstanding team and the future of BCI technology.
#BCIPioneers #Cybathlon2024 #NeurotechInnovation #BCITechnology #Empowerment
Learn more about the PittCrew team and their Cybathlon journey [here].
