Assistive technology empowers disabled at National Games for Persons with Disabilities

During the ongoing 12 National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games of China, venues, hotels and transport hubs are all using a range of assistive devices backed by advanced technology for people with disabilities, from sign-language translators to brain-computer-interface wheelchairs.

At the Pazhou Lab in Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, which co-hosts the special sports events with the neighboring Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, researchers showcased new assistive devices developed for the Games. One highlight was an AI sign-language translator, now deployed in several hotels hosting athletes.

To complement the device, developers have also published a sign-language translation application. Users with hearing impairments can request a translator with a single tap.

"Once you click the 'Call Now' button, you will be connected to a sign-language interpreter, who will provide service free of charge as a volunteer. So far, 180 interpreters from across the country have signed up as volunteers on our platform," said Shi Chengchuan, founder and CEO of Voibook Technology which has developed the system.

Another innovation available for athletes to try during the Games is a brain-computer-interface (BCI) wheelchair. Its accompanying headband collects electro-encephalography (EEG), electro-oculography (EOG), and head-motion signals, enabling hands-free control. Users can turn, accelerate or slow down the wheelchair through simple actions like eye blinking or head tilting.

"You can control the cursor with head movements (to select the options) and issue a 'confirm' command with a blink. The wheelchair will then move forward automatically. To turn, just tilt your head in the desired direction," said Cai Honghua, researcher at the BCI Intelligence Research Center of Pazhou Lab.

The wheelchair offers new autonomy for people with severe disabilities, according to Cai.

"As long as the user can move their head and blink normally, they can fully operate the wheelchair without using their hands. The system also monitors the user's attention and filters out unintentional blinks," Cai added.

In addition, the Games are also applying six-legged guide robots, smart barrier-free systems and other high-tech assistive solutions to provide improving accessibility for Games' participants.

Running from Dec. 8 to 15, China's 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games features a total of 46 major events with a record number of participants.

Assistive technology empowers disabled at National Games for Persons with Disabilities

China hopes to take German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's upcoming state visit as an opportunity to make greater progress in bilateral relations, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Steinmeier will pay a state visit to China from October 27 to 31.

"German president will visit China again after nearly eight years. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Steinmeier. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with him to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Besides Beijing, President Steinmeier will also visit Anhui Province," said Mao.

"The sound and steady growth of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany, the world's second and third largest economies, not only serves the interests of both countries, but is also what Europe and the world hope to see. The past 54 years since diplomatic ties were established have shown that mutual respect and mutual trust are the bedrock for a stable relationship and mutual benefit the key to success in bilateral cooperation. Our two countries have built strategic consensus through close collaboration and achieved shared prosperity in practical cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples," she said.

"President Steinmeier, an old friend of the Chinese people, has actively contributed to the development of China-Germany relations. We hope to work with the German side to take this visit as an opportunity to cement mutual trust, deepen cooperation and seek joint innovation, so as to make greater progress in bilateral relations, contribute to steady and sustained growth of China-Europe relations, and bring fresh energy to the world," said the spokeswoman.

China ready to work with Germany to make greater progress in bilateral relations: spokeswoman