Tour of Pitt’s Human Engineering Research Labs (HERL)

Founded 30 years ago, the University of Pittsburgh’s Human Engineering Research Labs (HERL) are a part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as the Center for Wheelchairs and Assistive Robotics Engineering. Their mission is to continuously improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation. Current, ongoing projects include Assistive Robotic Manipulators, MEBot,PneuMobility, Transfers (Assessment/Tools/Robotics), and Wheelchair Testing. During the tour, we will see various aspects of this research, including specially developed equipment to support the research projects. HERL offers education for graduate students, interns, and veterans and outreach through many community and national activities. The Founding Director of HERL is Rory Cooper, PhD. He is FISA & Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Professor and Distinguished Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology, and professor of Bioengineering, Physical Med & Rehab, and Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). He also serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research for STEM and Health Sciences Collaboration for the University of Pittsburgh. Cooper is an adjunct professor in the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, and PM&R of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. He was awarded Honorary Professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Xi’an Jiatong University where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate. Cooper has authored or co-authored over 350 peer-reviewed journal publications. He has over 20 patents awarded or pending and is the author of two books. Dr. Cooper is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, as well as AAAS, RESNA, IEEE, AIMBE, and BMES. Co-sponsored by: Human Engineering Research Labs Speaker(s): Rory Cooper, PhD 6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15206