Tech News Summary:
- Professors Abiri and Shahriari at the URI College of Engineering are developing a new robotic platform to assist stroke patients in their rehabilitation process and help them regain motor skills.
- The device includes an adaptive closed-loop system that monitors the user’s muscle and brain activity to activate adaptive reaching and grasping movements tailored to each individual patient, potentially improving brain plasticity and recovery.
- They received a $460,000 grant from the NSF DARE program for their exoskeleton project, demonstrating recognition of their groundbreaking work in biomedical engineering research and paving the way for advanced technologies to significantly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
URI Lab Receives NSF Grant for Cutting-Edge Adaptive Technology: Rhody Today
The University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Adaptive Technology Lab has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to further develop cutting-edge adaptive technology for individuals with disabilities.
The Adaptive Technology Lab, led by Dr. Jessica Johnson, focuses on creating innovative solutions to help people with disabilities navigate the world more seamlessly. The lab’s research aims to improve accessibility and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
With the NSF grant, the lab plans to expand its research and development of adaptive technology, including advancements in mobility aids, communication devices, and assistive technologies for daily living. The funding will also support the lab’s efforts to collaborate with industry partners to bring these technologies to market.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the NSF, which will allow us to continue our important work in advancing adaptive technology,” said Dr. Johnson. “Our goal is to create technologies that empower individuals with disabilities to live more independently and participate fully in society.”
URI President Dr. Brian Davis praised the lab’s accomplishments and emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting research that benefits individuals with disabilities. “The Adaptive Technology Lab’s work is not only innovative, but also has the potential to significantly impact the lives of people with disabilities,” said Dr. Davis. “We are proud to have such a forward-thinking research facility at URI.”
The NSF grant will enable the Adaptive Technology Lab to accelerate its research and development efforts, with the ultimate goal of bringing cutting-edge adaptive technology to individuals with disabilities in Rhode Island and beyond. The lab’s work aligns with URI’s mission to advance knowledge and contribute to the well-being of society.
For more information about the URI Adaptive Technology Lab and its research initiatives, visit the university’s website.