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Technologies to Evaluate and Advance Manipulation and Mobility (TEAMM) is an engineering research center based at the Center for Bionic Medicine, funded by the National Institute for Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Our research focus is on improving manipulation (the ability to manage and use objects) and mobility (the ability to move around) for individuals with disabilities. Injuries and diseases that limit mobility and manipulation affect people of all ages and impact health, independence, employment, leisure activities, and social interactions. Our goal is to develop and evaluate technologies that help these individuals participate fully in society.
Building useful and effective technologies requires an understanding of issues caused by disability, in addition to research and technological expertise. TEAMM has a well-integrated team of clinicians and researchers working closely with the people who will use these technologies. Our focus is on translational science—taking our products and ideas out of the laboratory and into the clinic, for the benefit of people with disabilities.
Following our first 5-year funding cycle (2013-2018), we recently received a second award (2018-2023) to continue TEAMM-RERC. Our center will continue two projects and initiate three new projects.
Continuing Projects
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Evaluation and Commercial Development of a Manual Standing Wheelchair — A wheelchair that allows people to move about while sitting or standing (or anywhere in-between).
Evaluation of a Lightweight Powered Leg — A prosthetic leg that only provides power when needed (e.g. for stair climbing), so it uses smaller motors and batteries and is quieter than other powered legs.
New Projects
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Wearable Airbag Technology to Mitigate Falls in Individuals with Stroke — A technology developed to prevent hip fractures and reduce fear of falling.
Development and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Body Powered Arm and Hand System — A prosthetic arm and hand suitable both for individuals in the United States who lack adequate insurance and also for people in low-income countries without access to prosthetic care.
Customized Therapeutic Intervention for Cerebral Palsy: A Child-Specific Robotic Trainer — A robotic walker device that gives individualized support, to help children with cerebral palsy walk.
Related Programs
Related Publications
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Reinkensmeyer, David J., Sarah Blackstone, Cathy Bodine, John Brabyn, David Brienza, Kevin Caves, Frank DeRuyter et al. “.”&苍产蝉辫;Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation 14, no. 1 (2017): 109.
Completed Projects (2013-2018)
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Evaluation of a Novel Body-Powered Prosthetic Hand
Robotic Exoskeletons as a Therapy Tool for Stroke Patients
Mobile Phone App that Monitors Recovery in Stroke Patients
Pattern Recognition-Based Myoelectric Control of Partial-Hand Prostheses
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The contents of this webpage were developed under grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant numbers 90RE5014 (2013-2018) and 90REGE0003 (2018-2023). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this webpage do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.