News

PA State Rep. Rob Mercuri from the 28th Legislative District visits HERL Learn More >
Distinguished Lecture Series Learn More >
HERL’s Transportation Board Game, featured in the UPMC Physician Journal Learn More >
Dr. Cooper featured on the Today Show! Learn More >
New Issue of The HERL Quarterly available online now! Learn More >
Dr. Rory Cooper was honored at the National Inventor's Hall of Fame Gala for his well-deserved induction! Learn More >
Rory Cooper Awarded National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the White House Learn More >
Colin McLaurin Distinguished Lecture: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Rory Cooper Learn More >
Dr. Rory Cooper was present and was the Keynote Speaker at Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. Learn More >
The Pittsburgh ReelAbilities Film Festival presented "Bumps in the Road," a documentary about the Human Engineering Research Laboratories Learn More >
Join us for HERL's annual Open House on July 27th from 2-6pm! Come for an afternoon of demos and posters of our current projects. Learn More >
This issue features articles on HERL Publications, HERL Accolades, HERL Making a Difference in the Community State of Science Symposium, The Buckeye Wheelchair Games, and much more! Learn More >
This issue features articles about HERL’s Publications, Dr. Dicianno's PCR Grant outcomes, Dr. Rory Cooper’s induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, HERL’s Distinguished Lecture: Vicky Tolfrey, and much more! Learn More >
Dr. Rory Cooper will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Biomedical engineer Rory Cooper’s innovations have improved manual and electric wheelchairs, and advanced the health, mobility and social inclusion of people with disabilities and older adults. His research has been informed by his own experience as a disabled U.S. Army veteran. Learn More >
We will be accepting donations through January 6th, 2023, and hope to raise enough to fund at least two Veterans in this summer's ELeVATE program. Learn More >
This issue features articles about HERL’s research projects on Transportation, Patents & Awards, research study recruitment, and much more! Learn More >
Video and audio for March 2022's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and Chief of Staff of the United States Army War College Colonel Lance D. Oskey is now available. Learn More >
In the latest installment of his video podcast, Veterans Health Administration Chief of Staff Jon Jensen sits down with Dr. Rory Cooper. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Quarterly is now available online. Learn More >
The Paralyzed Veterans of America has put together an online airline travel guide that all flyers who use wheelchairs should review. Learn More >
On November 2, HERL was issued its newest patent for "Device and Method for Preventing Immediate Access to an Object." Learn More >
The Experiential Learning for Veterans in Assistive Technology and Engineering (ELeVATE) program at HERL has positively impacted the lives of former military pursuing degrees in the STEM fields. Learn More >
Jon Jensen, Chief of Staff of the Veterans Health Administration, toured HERL and recorded a video podcast on November 16. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper, recipient of Sigma Xi's John P. McGovern Award, officially received the award and gave the McGovern Lecture on November 6. Learn More >
The award, sponsored by the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America, recognizes orthotics and prosthetics providers who deliver exceptional standards of care for Military personnel needing these devices. Learn More >
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hosted a celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act on October 26. Learn More >
View presentations and a panel discussion from the latest State of the Science Symposium on "Outcome Measures in Rehabilitation," conducted October 22nd, 2021 via Zoom. Learn More >
U.S. Patent #11,144,137, issued October 12, is for a computer mouse designed for people who use prosthetic hands. Learn More >
The Steelers and spinal rehabilitation hero toured HERL on September 30. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper served on the committee that authored the "Technical Feasibility of a Wheelchair Securement Concept for Airline Travel" report. Learn More >
Dr. Cooper's August 2021 interview with COL Tracey Michael and September 2021 interview with LTG Laura A. Potter are now available for viewing and listening. Learn More >
The World Intellectual Property Organization salutes Dr. Rory Cooper as a paralympian, serial inventor, army Veteran, engineer, and marathon racer. Learn More >
The award, Pitt's highest staff honor, was given to HERL staffer Sara Izzo for her work with spina bifida. Learn More >
Dr. Cooper was quoted: “We are training future engineers to do their work in ways that are human-centered and respectful of diverse people.” Learn More >
The McGovern Award recognizes achievements by a scientist or engineer that transcend their career as a researcher. Learn More >
Video and audio for July 2021's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and PVA Executive Director Carl Blake is now available. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper will be representing Pitt and all Parasports athletes at the International Paralympic Committee's 10th VISTA Conference in November 2021. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper has received IEEE's most prestigious award for his lasting impact on technology, society, and the engineering profession. Learn More >
Video and audio for June 2021's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and BG(Ret) Bob Pleczkowski is now available. Learn More >
HERL Medical Director Dr. Brad Dicianno's approach to assistive technology is highlighted in UPMC's Physician Journal. Learn More >
View presentations and panel discussions from the latest State of the Science Symposium on Social Determinants of Health Disparities in Rehabilitation and Reintegration. Learn More >
Video and audio for March 2021's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and COL Amy Roy is now available. Learn More >
HERL’s Dr. Rory Cooper and Dr. Garrett Grindle were awarded the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Award for their work in protecting Veterans and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
Video and audio for March 2021's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and SSG David Bellavia is now available. Learn More >
Video and audio for February 2021's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and Dr. Douglas Matty is now available. Learn More >
Video and audio for January 2021's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and COL Andrew J. "Coby" Short is now available. Learn More >
HERL's Directorship Team has been updated with new roles for Alicia Koontz, Rosemarie Cooper, Garrett Grindle, and Gina McKernan. Learn More >
View the latest State of the Science Symposium on Telemedicine and Rehabilitation in the CoViD-19 Era, conducted over Microsoft Teams on December 16, 2020. Learn More >
Video and audio for December 2020's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and SMA(Ret) Daniel A. Dailey is now available. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper has been appointed Pitt's first-ever assistant vice chancellor for research for STEM-health sciences collaborations. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
Video and audio for Veterans Day 2020's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and CSM(ret) Bart Womack is now available. Learn More >
Video and audio for October 2020's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and COL David M. Rozelle, the first amputee to return to U.S. military duty in a combat zone, is now available. Learn More >
Video and audio for September 2020's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and Deputy Adjutant General MG Mark J. Schindler, PA Army National Guard, is now available. Learn More >
View the latest State of the Science Symposium, conducted over Microsoft Teams on August 31 and September 2. Learn More >
Video and audio for August 2020's "Meet Your Army" interview between Dr. Rory Cooper and Director of the Army Staff LTG Walter E. Piatt is now available. Learn More >
Josh Marino of HERL was featured in a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article about Purple Heart-themed legislation. Learn More >
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded HERL a $1 million grant on researching accessible autonomous vehicles. Learn More >
Listen to HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper on the Scientific Sense Podcast as he discusses computer assisted mobility, intelligent wheelchair design, and human/machine interactions. Learn More >
VA Research Currents has reported on HERL's pivot to the production of anti-COVID-19 medical supplies. Learn More >
On June 24, HERL was proud to host Acting Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs Pamela J. Powers. Learn More >
Read this excellent article from Pittwire detailing HERL Director Dr. Cooper's marathon crash and recovery - and much more. Learn More >
VAPHS Director Donald E. Koenig announced that Dr. Cooper had won the award during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9, 2020. Learn More >
The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering has announced the induction of HERL's Dr. Alicia M. Koontz to its College of Fellows. Learn More >
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued their SUCCESS Act report to Congress on October 31. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper is interviewed on The Products of Pittsburgh podcast. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper is profiled in the latest installment of USPTO's Journeys of Innovation series. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
Freethink's "Superhuman" video series profiles HERL director's wheelchair robotics work in a just-released video. Learn More >
VA Research Currents published a story on HERL's important role in the VA's Technology Transfer Assistance Project. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held May 17. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper is #28 Inventor in the US Patent and Trademark Office Collectible Card Series. Learn More >
Please nominate a person who has made contributions representing substantial progress to the HERL mission. Learn More >
Researchers from HERL appear in VisitPittsburgh's new promotional video. Learn More >
HERL Senior Associate Medical Director Dr. Michael Boninger appeared on a news segment for KDKA-TV discussing new developments in brain-computer interfaces. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper and DAV Past National Commander Dave Riley went on Facebook Live to demo HERL's new prosthetic computer mouse. Learn More >
Congratulations to Deepan Kamaraj and Brandon Daveler! Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper was Distinguished Visiting Faculty at Loughborough University, United Kingdom. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper gave the Keynote Address at the UK Paralympic Performance Conference. Learn More >
HERL has received a Veterans' Trust Fund Grant in support of our ELeVATE program. Learn More >
ACCelerate Festival participants, including HERL, were recognized at the Pitt basketball game Feb. 16. Learn More >
Secretary of the Army Mark Esper visited with Dr. Cooper and Pitt ROTC. Learn More >
HERL engineer Matt Landis is the cover story in the latest issue of VA Research Currents. Learn More >
Dr. Brad Dicianno talks about mobile health applications in a new podcast. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
HERL researcher Satria Ardianuari's article was published on January 25. Learn More >
The "A Great Day for Hockey" exhibit will feature HERL's Dan McCoy. Learn More >
Dr. Rory Cooper participated in the Inclusive Development through Sport seminar in Rheinsberg, Germany. Learn More >
Michael Boninger will be the Keynote Speaker at SCI 2020: Launching a Decade for Disruption in Spinal Cord Injury Research. Learn More >
RNEL is recruiting volunteers for a BCI study. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held November 16. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
"Promoting Successful Integration," co-edited by HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper, has been issued by the Army Surgeon General's office. Learn More >
Google has released a video highlighting the work Matt Landis does at HERL and his ongoing work with fellow Veterans. Learn More >
HERL had the most donations at the end of the Pitt Day of Giving. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
The New York Times has posted a video and accompanying story about HERL's air-powered wheelchair. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper has been awarded the title of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Learn More >
The Toyota Mobility Foundation, in partnership with Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre, has launched a $4 million dollar global challenge to change the lives of people with lower-limb paralysis. Learn More >
View videos and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held October 20. Learn More >
HERL's Director has been awarded the 2017 Service to America Medal. Learn More >
Learn about HERL's CAREN system in a new video! Learn More >
HERL has been inducted into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentors Hall of Fame. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
It's been a busy few weeks for HERL's director. Learn More >
View videos and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held April 14. Learn More >
HERL's air-powered chair will be put to work at Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio. Learn More >
Watch a video about our novel mobility devices that run entirely on compressed air! Learn More >
View the video about HERL's award-winning robotic wheelchair! Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
View a new video showing a robotic arm app! Learn More >
View videos and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held November 10 at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC. Learn More >
HERL was featured in the PBS/WNET documentary "Military Medicine: Beyond the Battlefield." Learn More >
On October 8, HERL's MEBot robotic wheelchair took part in the first Cybathlon for Robot-Assisted Parathletes in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn More >
VA Secretary Bob McDonald and TV Mythbuster Adam Savage got up close and personal with HERL projects. Learn More >
pathVu has announced the publication of ASTM E3028-16, which will govern pathway roughness. Learn More >
HERL researchers Brandon Daveler and Jonathan Duvall are on the cover of the September/October 2016 issue of Diversity in Action. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
View videos and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held June 3. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper received the inaugural Marlin Mickle Outstanding Innovator Award at the 11th Annual Celebration of Innovation. Learn More >
HERL's Dr. Mary Goldberg has been named a 2016 Tech Innovator by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held March 30. Learn More >
Help us raise $10,000 to support two Veterans for the next session of ELeVATE via EngagePitt! Learn More >
CNN aired a feature touting HERL's sports technology work. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
Dr. Rory Cooper discussed prosthetics and sports in an online ESPN article. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held October 23. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper is the top story in the latest issue of Pitt Magazine! Learn More >
HERL projects will be featured at the Innovation Festival Sept. 26-27. Learn More >
Time.com has posted a video on HERL's technology and accessibility work. Learn More >
HERL celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn More >
HERL research and researchers are in the spotlight in several recently released videos. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held June 5. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held April 17. Learn More >
Fred Tregaskes, a great friend of HERL, passed away on March 9. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper is recipient of the 2015 Carnegie Science Catalyst Award. Learn More >
As of January 1, 2015, Brad Dicianno, MD is Medical Director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Learn More >
The National Academy of Inventors has named HERL Director Dr. Rory A. Cooper an NAI Fellow. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held November 14. Learn More >
The Disabled Veterans National Foundation has awarded HERL $50,000 for the purchase of new equipment. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held September 12. Learn More >
The Education and Current Research sections of the website have been expanded. Learn More >
The HERL Research Report has been released - read it online or get a copy sent to you. Learn More >
The latest issue of the HERL Newsletter is now available online. Learn More >
The Department of Veterans Affairs has officially approved five more years of funding for HERL. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held June 6. Learn More >
The Pittsburgh City Council has proclaimed June 17, 2014, as "Dr. Rory A. Cooper Day." Learn More >
The robotics industry’s highest honor, the Engelberger Robotics Award, will be presented to Dr. Rory Cooper on Monday, June 2 in Munich, Germany. Learn More >
The Disabled Veterans National Foundation is helping HERL raise $50,000 for new equipment. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper has been announced as a recipient of the 2014 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. Learn More >
Congratulations to HERL's PathMeT team for their first place finish in the Randall Family Big Idea Competition! Learn More >
The Virtual Seating Coach, developed by HERL and QoLT, is now being marketed by Permobil USA. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium, held March 19. Learn More >
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) has granted $150,000 to HERL in support of the Advancing Inclusive Manufacturing (AIM) Program for Wounded Warriors. Learn More >
Watch the video to see some of the ways HERL addresses Veterans' health. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium. Learn More >
HERL's Advancing Inclusive Manufacturing Program for Wounded Warriors has been highlighted in VA Research Currents - the VA's national magazine for research and development. Learn More >
HERL has been selected as a 2013 recipient of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Power of Work Award. Learn More >
On August 23, 2013, HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper received the VA Secretary's Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award. Learn More >
The FATe program is seeking Veterans with disabilities who want to learn machining skills! Learn More >
HERL researcher Nahom Beyene has been awarded a National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Teams Grant. Learn More >
The USPTO has awarded a HERL research team led by Dr. Rory Cooper U.S. Patent No. 8,490,242 for a novel mobile caster. Learn More >
The newest issue of the HERL Newsletter has been released! Learn More >
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield provided a $100,000 grant to support HERL's Advancing Inclusive Manufacturing (AIM) Program for Wounded Warriors. Learn More >
View videos, photos, and presentations from the latest State of the Science Symposium online. Learn More >
Seeking abstracts for the Pitt SDA Conference Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2013. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper will receive this high honor from the International Paralympic Committee on May 4 in Bonn, Germany. Learn More >
The U.S. Patent Office has awarded a HERL research team a patent on adjustable wheelchair backrest mounting hardware. Learn More >
The March 2013 issue of the HERL Newsletter has been released! Learn More >
Graduate student and researcher Elaine Houston has won a 2013 Carnegie Science Award. Learn More >
On October 15, the Institute of Medicine announced that HERL Medical Director Dr. Michael Boninger had been elected as a member. Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper is the subject of an article in "The Inventors Eye," a newsletter from the USPTO. Learn More >
Nathan Bastien has been recognized by the University of Pittsburgh Honors College. Learn More >
Dr. Michael Boninger and Dr. Jennifer Collinger have received Popular Mechanics Magazine's Breakthrough Award. Learn More >
Missed it? Check out the photos on Facebook. Learn More >
Nahom M. Beyene's research was PhD Comics' Two-Minute Thesis Grand Prize Winner! Learn More >
The USPTO has awarded a team led by HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper a patent on a new type of joystick. Learn More >
4 Wheel City, a motivational hip-hop group, will be in Pittsburgh September 27. Learn More >
The Allegheny 365 Committee, co-chaired by HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper, issued its recommendations in a report on August 6. Learn More >
August 3rd was a great day for Dr. Cooper, with a front-page article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in the morning, and a rare honor from the Marine Corps in the evening. Learn More >
Learn about buckle-making Marines, the Transfer Assessment Instrument, the summer interns, and more! Learn More >
In an Olympic preview, NBC Learn has released its Engineering for Mobility video online. Learn More >
The 4th International Symposium on QoLT will be held October 31 in Seoul. Learn More >
HERL students are the subject of a Post-Gazette article about a state funding Catch-22. Learn More >
View the State of the Science Symposium on Regenerative Medicine. Learn More >
We've updated our YouTube channel! Learn More >
Walnut Capital has created a video featuring HERL and other Bakery Square tenants. Learn More >
Read the March 2012 Issue of the HERL Newsletter online now! Learn More >
C-SPAN aired a review of the 2012 Consumer Electronic Show which featured HERL's PerMMA wheelchair. Watch it online now! Learn More >
Apply for our Summer 2012 Research Experience for Undergraduates program! Learn More >
HERL Director Dr. Rory Cooper helps host a virtual tour of the new Patriot Home for disabled Veterans. Learn More >
Dr. Brad Dicianno has been awarded the 2011 Ernest W. Johnson / AAP Excellence in Research Writing Award. Learn More >
Did you miss our latest symposium? View it online! Learn More >
The November 2011 issue of the HERL Newsletter is out! Learn More >
This important new book and and its authors were feted by Army Surgeon General LTG Schoomaker. Learn More >
The Veterans and Small Business Listening and Action Session met at HERL on Oct. 11. Learn More >
A subject successfully controlled a robot hand - with his mind! Learn More >
The Trustees of the University of Pittsburgh visited HERL on Sept. 23. Learn More >
Dr. Michael Boninger has won the A. Estin Comarr Award for exceptional spinal cord injury care. Learn More >
The PVA has announced that Dr. Rory Cooper is the recipient of their highest award for professionalism. Learn More >
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on HERL's grand opening. Learn More >