NSF Funds Wheelchair Research

An interdisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and disability experts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the National Science Foundation’s National Robotics Initiative to develop a wheelchair that will provide individuals with physical disabilities a new and novel mode of mobility.

The project, called PURE (Personalized, Unique Rolling Experience), offers users elegant, organic, hands-free movement using an interactive and adaptive robot that is uniquely personalized for each user. Designed to be discreet, minimalistic, lightweight and safe, PURE seeks to create life- enhancing opportunities for daily wheelchair users while preserving long-term health and wellness.

The PURE team includes: principal investigator Elizabeth Hsiao-Wecksler of the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering; co-principal investigator Deana McDonagh of the School of Art and Design; co-principal investigator William Norris of the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering; Joao Ramos of Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Pat Malik, former director of the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES); and current DRES staff members Jeannette Elliott (physical therapist) and Adam Bleakney (head coach, Men's and Women's Track, Field, and Racing).