Robotic power wheelchair with passive-active suspension for safer travel on uneven sidewalks and curbs
Field Usability Testing of a robotic wheelchair with passive-active suspension for seat stability in uneven terrains
A redesigned robotic power wheelchair with a new passive-active suspension to help people who use electric wheelchairs stay more stable and avoid tipping on uneven sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and bumps.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11220691 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would try driving a redesigned MEBot wheelchair that uses a passive-active actuation and suspension system over real-world uneven surfaces like slopes, curb drops, sidewalks, and speed bumps. Researchers will record stability, seat orientation, and any near-fall or rollover events while collecting your feedback on comfort and control. This phase builds on earlier MEBot work that improved stability but showed problematic seat tilting during sudden ground changes, so the team is focusing on fixing those issues and proving safe performance in community settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who regularly use electric powered wheelchairs and encounter uneven outdoor terrain such as curbs, ramps, sidewalks, or cobblestones.
Not a fit: People who do not use power wheelchairs, cannot travel to on-site testing, or whose mobility needs require a different device are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce tipping and fall risk and make it easier for power wheelchair users to access sidewalks and community spaces safely.
How similar studies have performed: Previous versions of MEBot improved stability in testing, but real-world field testing of the new passive-active suspension and seat-stability fixes is relatively new and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Candiotti, Jorge — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Candiotti, Jorge
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.