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HERL Laboratories

HERL has research and clinical laboratories at the following locations:

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System - Highland Drive Campus

The University of Pittsburgh - Dept. of Rehabilitation Science and Technology

UPMC Health System - Center for Assistive Technology

The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) laboratory establishes an environment for the realistic simulation of everyday objects (desks and counters), situations (grocery shopping and banking), and obstacles (ramps, stairs, and gravel) which are encountered by individuals using mobility aids. This simulated environment allows for a controlled study environment to test ADL skills and routine tasks of wheelchair users in their own or new mobility devices.  

Biomechanics and Neuromotor Control Laboratory

This laboratory concentrates on the fundamentals of improving the interaction between people, technology, and the environment especially as it relates to disability and impairment.  Areas of research include ergonomics, upper extremity pain among wheelchair users, and assessment of function for control of rehabilitation technology.

Design and Prototyping Laboratory  

The design and prototyping laboratory at HERL provides precision machining and rapid prototyping for research and development projects. The lab is supported by our computer network equipped with commercial computer aided design software: (Protel™, SolidWorks™) and computer aided manufacturing:  (FeatureCam™ and 3D systems™).  It is here that our research instrumentation and new assistive devices are prototyped, and even where small manufacturing runs are accomplished.

For traditional machining, we have three milling machines, two lathes, and a wire EDM (electrical discharge machining).  One lathe, milling machine and the wire EDM are fully CNC (Computer Numerical Control) capable; the others have full digital tool readouts.  We also maintain all standard power tools for stock preparation and assembly – power hacksaws, a welding shop with TIG, MIG and oxy acetylene systems and a shot blaster for metal finishing.  

During the past two years, we have acquired two rapid prototyping machines:  selective laser lithography and a selective laser sintering system.  Unlike traditional machine tools that cut away stock, rapid prototyping machines create parts by depositing plastic or metal under precise computer control.  Sometimes we refer to this as “3 dimensional printing”.  Complex parts that normally would be impossible or ruinously expensive to build by traditional methods can be created literally overnight.  Computer based manufacturing is extremely flexible.  You can build one component or a hundred by just asking for copies.

Most recently we have incorporated plastic injection molding capabilities, to include cold-flow thermo-setting plastics, and heat-pressure molding with thermal plastics.

Modern technology cannot thrive without a skilled staff. Our five member team includes engineers, a professional machinist and an electronics and testing specialist.  The staff collaborates regularly with our faculty members and graduate students; most of whom hold or will be acquiring advanced clinical or technical degrees. 

Electronics Laboratory

Imaging/Modeling Laboratory

The Imaging/Modeling lab is where HERL investigators examine shoulder injuries in manual wheelchair users. Researchers use Ultrasound Imaging to collect images of subject’s wrists and shoulders and computer visualization software (Analyze 6.0) to create 3-dimensional models of the upper extremity. This equipment is used to identify abnormalities in the upper extremities of manual wheelchair users and to relate these abnormalities to the wheelchair propulsion techniques observe in HERL’s Biomechanics and Neuromotor Control Laboratory.

Robotics Laboratory 

Advances in engineering technology have resulted in the development of robotic devices that enhance mobility and functional independence as well as prevent secondary complications of physical impairments. In the Robotics Laboratory, studies are being conducted to evaluate the design and performance aspects of robotic technology with an overall objective to improve the quality of life of individuals with mobility deficits.  Engineers and clinicians from HERL work closely with robot developers and manufacturers to provide devices that safe, reliable, functional, and practical and that will allow greater interaction and control of the physical environment.

The Assistive Technology Evaluation Laboratory is used to develop standards for assistive technology, and to test assistive devices for compliance with existing standards. This laboratory contains a full compliment of testing equipment for wheelchair standards, and limited equipment for other types of assistive devices. Major equipment includes double-drum testers, curbdrop testers, a treadmill, static testing machine, and an environmental chamber.  This is one of the most comprehensive laboratories in the United States equipped to provide testing of manual and power wheelchairs to ANSI/RESNA and ISO wheelchair standards.  Laboratory personnel are actively involved in developing wheelchair standards.  We currently have critical roles in the development of several national and international standards.  This laboratory also provides testing and design services to industry, consumer groups, insurance agencies, and government agencies.

Home  |  Introduction  |  Research  |  Laboratories  |  Publications  |  Education | Affiliations

Standards & Patents  |  Personnel  |  Activities  |  VA WheelchairInfo | Newsletter