About

Rosemarie Cooper is a leading researcher in assistive robotics, specializing in mobility enhancement and caregiver ergonomics. Her work centers on developing intelligent wheelchair systems that overcome architectural barriers and reduce injury risks for both users and caregivers. Cooper’s most significant contribution is the Mobility Enhancement Robotic (MEBot) wheelchair, a groundbreaking platform that uses pneumatic actuators and six wheels to safely negotiate curbs up to 20.3 cm high—a common obstacle for electric powered wheelchair users. Her research has garnered over 130 citations, with key studies demonstrating MEBot’s usability for indoor/outdoor navigation and its attitude control system for preventing tips and falls on uneven terrain. Cooper has also pioneered robotic-assisted transfer devices, such as the Strong Arm and the Powered Personal Transfer System (PPTS), which aim to replace mechanical floor lifts and reduce caregiver muscle strain and cognitive load during patient transfers. Her work on curb negotiation through human-robot collaboration and participatory action design underscores her commitment to user-centered engineering. Cooper’s contributions are vital for advancing accessibility, safety, and independence for wheelchair users and those who care for them.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

6
H-Index
11
Papers
135
Total Citations
12
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Mini-review: Robotic wheelchair taxonomy and readiness
29 citations · 2022
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2020 (3 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 38
🏛 Institutions: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, University Medical Center Groningen

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 13 days ago