$41.5 Million Award to Fuel HERL’s Reimagining of Wheelchairs and Assistive Robotic Arms

An award of up to $41.5 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop the Robotic Assisted Mobility and Manipulation Platform (RAMMP) system seeks to make such frustrating, time-consuming ordeals a thing of the past. With the award, researchers at HERL, an institute within Pitt’s schools of health sciences and part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will lead a team using next-generation robotics and new assistive technology to reimagine a wheelchair and assistive robotic arm intended to improve the independence, safety and quality of life for people with disabilities, including veterans.

Challenges in Daily Mobility and Independence

For those with disabilities and mobility challenges, some basic morning tasks that many take for granted can be time-consuming and tedious. Rory Cooper, director of Pitt’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), noted: "Think about this morning. Many of you probably opened up your refrigerator to get … some milk or something. … That is right now possible, but (for others) that may take 45 minutes to an hour." He added that tasks like drinking a glass of orange juice "takes — even now with the best current technology — 10 to 15 minutes, for one sip."

"Most powered wheelchairs aren’t designed to overcome many of the common challenges in the real world — and changing the environment to accommodate them is nearly impossible," Cooper said before the announcement event. "We need smarter technology that prevents tipping and falling, improves mobility and adds more function such as coordinated mobility and robotic arm manipulation of objects so people with disabilities can fully participate in everyday life."

The RAMMP System and Technological Innovation

RAMMP will integrate advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, a novel operating system, and digital twin technology through the Robotic Assistive Mobility Manipulation Simulation (RAMMS) environment. This virtual platform "enables precise, safe and scalable testing and development within realistic simulated settings," a statement about the award explained. The system also seeks to create new workforce and manufacturing opportunities in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania, with the goal of "producing advanced mobility systems domestically."

Advanced Design and Seating

"We are redesigning everything from the ground up," Cooper said. "In terms of the seating system, the base, its robotic arm, the control system, the mechanical design, the operating system — everything will be new." Using robotic arms for more effective object interaction, the RAMMP system is intended to advance the design of powered mobility and manipulation devices by improving their function, obstacle detection and negotiation and seamless integration.

RAMMP’s real-time "360-degree environmental awareness" nature and adaptive control features allow users to navigate "complex environments with enhanced capabilities, confidence and safety."

Consortium Partners and Leadership

In addition to Cooper, the project’s principal investigators include Jorge Candiotti, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, and research biomedical engineer within HERL and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Joining Pitt in the national research consortium are several high-profile institutions and industry partners.

Partner Type	Organizations
Academic Institutions	University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Northeastern University, Purdue University
Industry and Robotics	Kinova Robotics, LUCI Mobility, ATDev
Government Entities	U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, ARPA-H (Funding)

Rob Rutenbar, senior vice chancellor of research, noted that Cooper represents the "perfect embodiment of somebody who is collaborating across the full spectrum … looking at how to connect STEM research and STEM problem solving with health science technologies."