Dr. Jaimie Borisoff, a Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball and director of BCIT’s MAKE+ applied research group, is leading a team to compete in Cybathlon 2024 in Switzerland. This unique competition promotes the development of assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Borisoff’s journey began at 19 when a car accident left him with a severe spinal cord injury. Rather than viewing it as a setback, he saw it as a challenge to overcome, an attitude that has defined his approach to life and work ever since.

The BCIT team’s entry, dubbed “The BEAST,” is a powered wheelchair designed to navigate challenging terrains, including uneven rocks, tree roots, and even stairs. This innovative device represents Borisoff’s vision of combining existing wheelchair technology with advanced robotics and exoskeletons. The Cybathlon competition features eight categories with various tasks to complete, serving as a platform to showcase practical, applied research in assistive technologies.

For Borisoff, who holds multiple academic positions and has extensive experience in rehab engineering design, the Cybathlon is more than just a competition. It’s a chance to highlight the important work being done at BCIT to improve the lives of people with mobility disabilities. With nearly 2.7 million Canadians experiencing mobility challenges, the development of technologies like The BEAST could have a significant impact on accessibility and quality of life for many individuals. Borisoff’s personal experience with disability has fueled his passion for creating solutions that empower others to overcome everyday obstacles.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Head to the BCIT News website for more details on The Beast.

Source: Vancouver Sun

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