The traditional Japanese art of kirigami is inspiring powerful new breakthroughs in wheelchair design.
At Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Rory Cooper and team are reimagining mobility.
They fold and cut flat materials into lighter, customizable wheelchairs.
The Kirigami wheelchairs are designed for safety, precise fit, and affordability. These factors help make insurance coverage possible.
This enables many people to own one.
Robotic Assistive Mobility and Manipulation Platform
The lab’s groundbreaking work was just recognized with a $41.5 million federal award to develop the RAMMP (Robotic Assistive Mobility and Manipulation Platform).
This is a state-of-the-art power wheelchair with obstacle navigation, robotic arm, and smart sensor-based safety technology.
This blend of art and engineering holds exciting new possibilities for increasing accessibility for all wheelchair users!
At MagicMobility Vans, we draw inspiration from new innovative technologies as we work to provide wheelchair-accessible vans to people who cannot afford them, making independence possible for all.
As USA Today writes:
“…MagicMobility Vans expanded as a pioneering initiative to provide wheelchair-accessible vans to families in need across the country. Partnering with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), the organization has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to enhancing accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities.
Follow us to learn more about new innovations, and visit our website to donate toward wheelchair-accessible vans for people who need them!