Research
Robots built with the people who use them
Every project starts with a conversation with our community partners and ends with a robot they test at home.
Assistive arms
Many people who use a wheelchair can't easily lift a cup or reach a high shelf. We build arms that are light enough to mount on a wheelchair and gentle enough to work close to someone's face.
Current projects
- FeedBot: an arm that helps with eating, adapting to how fast each person likes to eat.
- ReachKit: a low-cost arm built from off-the-shelf parts, so clinics can build their own.
- Soft grippers: fingers that can pick up a grape or a glass without crushing either.
Shared-control mobility
Driving a power wheelchair through a crowded hallway is tiring. Our chairs share the work: the user decides where to go, and the chair helps with the fine steering.
Current projects
- Doorway assist: lines the chair up with a doorway and eases it through.
- Crowd-aware driving: slows and steers around people in busy spaces.
- Trust and comfort: studies of how much help people actually want, and when.
Easy-to-use controls
A robot is only useful if its user can tell it what to do. We design controls that fit each person's abilities, from a single button to a head tilt.
Current projects
- One-switch control: run a robot arm from a single button.
- Head-motion control: steer with small movements picked up by a headset.
- Voice plus touch: combine short spoken commands with a touchscreen.
Tested in real homes, not just the lab
Six community partners, people who use wheelchairs and their families, help us choose projects, try early versions and decide what's ready. Partners are paid for their time.
Funding
[TO DO: list the lab's funders and sponsors.]