BEIJING: A man from southeastern China transformed his experience with paralysis into a source of inspiration, creating a mind-controlled wheelchair prototype in just 48 hours during a technology competition.
Wang Ning, 33, and his wife from Shenzhen recently took part in a Shanghai-based Hackathon hosted by RedNote, where they earned first prize in the hardware category for their innovative design.
Originating in the US, hackathons are competitions where developers collaborate under tight deadlines to create products or prototypes from the ground up. Participants typically remain on-site throughout the event, working tirelessly, often eating and sleeping there until their projects are complete.
Wang’s journey reportedly began in 2020, when he was diagnosed with a 13-centimetre spinal cord tumour. Following two major surgeries, he endured full-body paralysis twice. At his lowest point, he could move only his eyes and suffered from intense nerve pain day and night.
During his darkest moments, Wang recounted that his wife gifted him a pair of running shoes to motivate him to keep fighting. With her unwavering support, he gradually regained the ability to stand and walk through rehabilitation.
Overcoming paralysis provided Wang with a profound understanding of what it means to be “confined within the prison of his own body.” This experience later inspired him to create a mind-controlled wheelchair, aiming to empower individuals with mobility challenges to achieve greater independence.
A fine arts graduate with no prior experience in coding or hardware engineering, Wang began to self-teach artificial intelligence (AI) and brain-computer interface technology in 2022, utilising books and online resources, according to CCTV News.
He likened the learning process to “levelling up in a video game,” as he acquired skills ranging from software debugging and circuit soldering to 3D printing.
In April, Wang and his wife entered a hackathon challenge, deciding to develop a prototype brain-controlled wheelchair within a tight 48-hour time frame.
During the competition, the early versions of the wheelchair faced issues with response delays and inaccurate commands, frequently leading to collisions with obstacles.
After extensive testing, they successfully combined specific brainwaves with facial muscle signals and algorithm-based processing to enhance control accuracy and minimise delays.
Their prototype ultimately won first prize in the hardware category, along with a cash award of 50,000 yuan (US$7,000).
In July, the wheelchair was showcased at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. The system now reportedly supports multidirectional mind control and has evolved into a comprehensive mind-control ecosystem, allowing users to operate devices such as lights, cameras, and air conditioners.
Beyond the wheelchair, Wang has also developed a navigation app for wheelchair users, along with affordable rehabilitation tools and recovery games designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries, according to various reports.
“The ultimate value of technology lies not in cold metrics, but in providing those who refuse to be defined by their fate a reason to run again,” Wang told mainland media.
One online observer remarked: “Once trapped by illness, Wang discovered his own pair of ‘shoes’ on a new path in life. He and his wife are truly remarkable grass roots scientists.” - South China Morning Post
