https://pittplusme.org/study/1104
Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) Registry
STUDY BASICS
Do you use an assistive device like a wheelchair, scooter, prosthesis (artificial limb), or cane? Are you interested in learning about research related to assistive technology? If so, you may be able to join the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) Registry. Participants will be informed of current and future research studies, but are not obligated to participate in a research study.
STUDY PURPOSE
A research registry is a list of individuals who volunteer to provide information about themselves and agree to be contacted about future research opportunities. The purpose of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) Registry is to collect information from people who are interested in learning more about current and future research studies related to assistive technologies like wheelchairs, scooters, and prosthetic devices.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Age 18 years or older
- People with disability, care‑partners, students, advocates, professionals, and other stakeholders
- Willing to receive future contact about assistive technology research.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
You will be asked to complete questionnaires that ask for contact & demographic information, and experience of assistive technology. As a member of the HERL Registry, you will be informed of current and future research studies that you may be eligible for. The Registry is an informational resource and notification of a research study does not obligate you to participate.
IRB: STUDY20040375
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories Assistive Technology Registry
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Rory Cooper
Rory A. Cooper, PhD, PLY is a National Medal Laureate and prominent bioengineer, inventor, author, and advocate specializing in rehabilitation engineering and assistive technologies. He’s a FISA Foundation – Paralyzed Veterans of America Distinguished Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, serving jointly in Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, and Orthopedic Surgery, and directs the Pitt and VA collaborative Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL). As RERC Director, he leads efforts in Physical Access and Transportation for People with Disabilities, focusing on innovative wheelchair design, robotic devices, and inclusive vehicle and airline boarding solutions. He is the author of two books: "Rehabilitation Engineering Applied to Mobility and Manipulation” and “Wheelchair Selection and Configuration”, and co-editor of “An Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering”, “Warrior Transition Leader: Medical Rehabilitation Handbook” and the award-winning book “Care of the Combat Amputee”. Cooper is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, as well as RESNA, IEEE, AIMBE and BMES. In October 2023, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by the President of the United States, and he was inducted into the 50th class of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. His students have won numerous awards and are leaders throughout the world.
His R&D interests span: Wheelchair engineering; Wearable & robotic assistive technology; Smart accessibility systems. His work is grounded in participatory design with individuals with disabilities, aiming to bridge STEM and health sciences to drive high-impact, interdisciplinary innovation.