Advancing assistive technology for veterans with disabilities

RR&D Research Career Scientist Award Application

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11055301

This study is all about creating new mobility devices and helpful robots to make life easier for veterans with disabilities, so they can move around more independently and comfortably.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11055301 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative mobility devices and assistive robots specifically designed for veterans with disabilities. Led by Dr. Rory A. Cooper, a veteran and expert in rehabilitation engineering, the project aims to enhance the quality of life for these individuals by creating devices that facilitate independence and mobility. The research includes the design of a powered wheelchair-bed robotic transfer device that minimizes physical effort for users and caregivers. Through this work, the project seeks to empower veterans by providing them with advanced assistive technologies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans with spinal cord injuries or other disabilities that affect mobility.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mobility impairments or are not veterans may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mobility and independence for veterans with disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in assistive technology for veterans has shown promising results, indicating a strong potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.