Testing a robotic wheelchair designed for stability on uneven surfaces
Official title: Field Usability Testing of a robotic wheelchair with passive-active suspension for seat stability in uneven terrains
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10938025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making electric wheelchairs safer and easier to use on bumpy ground, and it's for people who use these wheelchairs to help them get around more confidently in their communities.
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 start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003806-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use electric powered wheelchairs and frequently encounter uneven or challenging terrains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use electric powered wheelchairs or who primarily navigate smooth, compliant surfaces may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the safety and usability of electric powered wheelchairs (EPWs) for users navigating uneven terrains. It involves the development and testing of the Mobility Enhancement Robotic (MEBot) wheelchair, which features a passive-active suspension system to enhance stability on slopes and rough surfaces. The study aims to assess how well this new design can prevent tips and falls, allowing users to access more areas in their communities. Participants will provide feedback on their experiences using the MEBot in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more accessible mobility options for wheelchair users, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in wheelchair technology, this specific approach with the MEBot-PAAS system is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Candiotti, Jorge — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Candiotti, Jorge
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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.