Brain-controlled exoskeleton for teen to kickoff at World Cup

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of a mind-controlled exoskeleton that will enable a paralyzed teen to kick the first ball at the World Cup 2014 soccer tournament in Brazil. Participants explore various aspects of this event, including technical considerations, public perception, and the implications of the technology involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the mechanics of the kick, with one suggesting it could either be a gentle touch or an exaggerated sprint, highlighting the unpredictability of the outcome.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for failure during the event, with some participants noting the risks involved in such a public demonstration.
  • One participant emphasizes the significance of the brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, suggesting it represents a new era, regardless of its current limitations.
  • Several participants critique the imagery associated with the event, questioning the representation of female figures and the overall portrayal of the kicker, indicating a disconnect with the sport's reality.
  • Humorous speculation about the worst-case scenario is shared, with references to public embarrassment and catastrophic outcomes, reflecting a mix of concern and levity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on the appropriateness of the imagery or the implications of the technology. Some agree on the potential for failure, while others focus on the significance of the technology itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions regarding the portrayal of the kicker and the technology's capabilities, but these remain unresolved within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of technology and sports, as well as those concerned with representation in media and public events, may find this discussion relevant.

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Don't know if that helps. (I fixed the title).
 
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I expect him to walk slowly towards the ball and then touch it lightly with his foot (with a kick indistinguishable from a normal walking step), sending it 10 feet at a 45 degree angle from the direction he intended to kick it.

Or he'll sprint on the field twice as fast as Usain Bolt, and boot the ball with a thunderous kick that will send it out of the stadium.

Those are the only two options.
 
Yep, lots of potential for emberassing failure, but could also be very interesting to see.
 
Well I personally think a BCI exoskeleton is a lot more interesting than soccer, whether it's primitive or not it (hopefully) heralds a new age.
 
I want a tail.
 
WorldCup_610x343.jpg


I have *so* many problems with this image. It was so bad it detracted from the rest of the article (and from the Washington Post article from whence this image was taken).

1. Why are those three people all female? This is the 2014 Men's World Cup after all.
2. Why isn't the kicker looking at the ball? That's a recipe for missing the kick.
3. Why is the kicker smiling? This is game face time. The smile comes after successfully kicking the ball.
4. What's with the pushup bras? The women in the 2015 Women's World Cup will not look like that.


This is perhaps a bit ableist, but here's what female soccer players look like:

Game face.
soc_g_smith1x_576.jpg


Game faces and eyes on the ball.
switzerland-soccer-women-world-cup-qualification-2011-2010-9-16-14-20-59.jpg


Game faces, eyes on the ball, and no pushup bras.
n_valencia_fondos-42263.jpg
 
What's the worst that can happen - a Charlie Brown moment for stun struck audience, speachless commentators and researchers who will have a lot of explaining to do, and of course the kicker lying on his/her back and waving appendages like a beetle stuck upside down.
 
  • #10
D H said:
WorldCup_610x343.jpg


I have *so* many problems with this image. It was so bad it detracted from the rest of the article (and from the Washington Post article from whence this image was taken).
It

1. Why are those three people all female? This is the 2014 Men's World Cup after all.
That's the same person with superimposed snapshots of different times. Graphic designers were probably all male (1).
2. Why isn't the kicker looking at the ball? That's a recipe for missing the kick.
Probably a case of nerves...
3. Why is the kicker smiling?
See (1)
4. What's with the pushup bras?
See (1).
The women in the 2015 Women's World Cup will not look like that.
:cry: