Draft:Human Engineering Research Laboratories
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|  |
 The Human Engineering Research Labs logo. | |
| Established | January 1994 |
|---|---|
| Director | Rory A. Cooper |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Affiliations | |
| Website | herl |
The Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) is a pioneering research center based in Pittsburgh, PA, dedicated to improving the mobility and functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. HERL is a collaborative initiative between the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, operating as the VA Center for Wheelchairs and Rehabilitation Engineering.[1][2]
Overview
[edit]Founded over three decades ago, HERL has become a global leader in assistive technology research and development. The lab integrates engineering, clinical research, and rehabilitation science to design and evaluate innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.[3]
HERL’s mission is to “continuously improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation.” Its vision is to create a world where all individuals with disabilities can fully participate in and contribute to society without mobility limitations.[4]
History
[edit]In 1980, Director Rory Cooper, PhD, a U.S. Army Veteran, began designing assistive technology when a spinal cord injury during his military service left him partially paralyzed at the age of 20. By 1989, Cooper was an assistant bioengineering professor at Sacramento State University, which helped pave the way for the eventual creation of HERL in 1994.[5]
Facilities and Capabilities
[edit]The labs were initially located in an old VA facility and were moved three times before expanding into their current home at Bakery Square, in a state-of-the-art facility provided by the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, featuring advanced prototyping and testing equipment. The site includes a machine shop capable of producing medical-grade devices, allowing for rapid development and iteration of assistive technologies.[6]
Research and Innovation
[edit]HERL conducts a wide range of research studies and projects[7], including:
- Powered and manual wheelchair design
- Exoskeleton development
- Accessible transportation systems
- Smart home and mobile health technologies
- Rehabilitation robotics
The lab also plays a key role in setting assistive technology standards and contributes to national and international policy discussions on disability and accessibility.[8]
Community and Outreach
[edit]HERL is known for its inclusive approach, often involving individuals with disabilities in the design and testing of new technologies. The lab also maintains an Assistive Technology Registry[9] to connect with participants for ongoing and future studies.
Outside of extensive local coverage, HERL has been highlighted by various national media outlets and tech companies like Google[10], PBS[11][12] and TIME[13], and was highlighted in a special segment of Maker Tour by Adam Savage[14] of MythBusters fame.
References
[edit]- ^ "Research". Veterans Affairs. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "The Human Engineering Research Laboratories". University of Pittsburgh.
- ^ "HERL celebrates 30 years of helping those with disabilities, mobility challenges". University Times.
- ^ "About Us". Human Engineering Research Labs.
- ^ "Rory A. Cooper", Wikipedia, 2025-04-14, retrieved 2025-05-20
- ^ Pitt SHRS (2020-07-15). Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) Virtual Tour. Retrieved 2025-05-23 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Projects". www.herl.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "State of the Science". www.herl.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "HERL Registry". db.ucsur.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ Ep 6: Living to Serve | SEARCH ON. 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2025-05-20 – via YouTube.
- ^ "HERL on PBS". www.herl.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Military Medicine". Military Medicine. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ TIME (2015-08-04). See How Robotics Is Changing What It Means To Be Disabled | TIME. Retrieved 2025-05-20 – via YouTube.
- ^ Adam Savage’s Tested (2017-04-10). Adam Savage's Maker Tour: Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Retrieved 2025-05-20 – via YouTube.
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