Transformative Assistive Technology at HERL, Our Approach and Our Impact

The Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), under the leadership of Dr. Cooper has been at the forefront of advancing participatory action design and engineering technologies for people with disabilities. HERL is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through the development of cutting-edge assistive devices and accessible technologies. By engaging directly with end-users, the lab incorporates the lived experiences of people with disabilities into the design process, ensuring that the resulting innovations are not only functional but also responsive to their unique needs. Dr. Cooper’s pioneering efforts have significantly contributed to breakthroughs in areas such as wheelchair design, smart mobility devices, and robotics, improving quality of life and autonomy for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Cooper’s work emphasizes a collaborative approach, where engineers, designers, healthcare professionals, and people with disabilities work in tandem to co-create solutions. His focus on participatory action research fosters a user-centered methodology, ensuring that the technologies developed at HERL are inclusive, practical, and adaptable to a variety of settings. This approach, along with Dr. Cooper’s extensive research on accessible interfaces and autonomous systems, is paving the way for a more inclusive future where individuals with disabilities can actively participate in society with greater independence and dignity. Through these advancements, HERL and Dr. Cooper are helping to shape a future where accessibility and inclusion are fundamental aspects of technology development.