Department of Mechanical Engineering
Robots that give people their independence back
We design robotic arms, smart wheelchairs and wearable helpers that people with limited mobility can control in their own way, and we test them with the people who will use them.
Students and researchers
Community partners who test our robots
Robots in daily use in partners' homes
What we work on
Three questions drive the lab. Each is a group of projects with students at every level.
Research area
Lightweight robotic arms that mount on a wheelchair or table and help with eating, drinking and reaching.
Research area
Wheelchairs that share the driving, so the user stays in charge while the chair handles doorways and crowds.
Research area
Ways to steer a robot with a head tilt, a voice command or a single button, chosen by each user.
The best robot is the one people forget is there. It should feel like their own hands, not like a machine they have to operate.
Prof. Elena Marquez
Lab director
Looking for a research home?
We welcome undergraduates, master's and Ph.D. students from mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, computer science and design. No robotics experience is needed to start.