The Robotics Center at the University of Utah is at the forefront of Wearable Robotics research, focusing on developing advanced systems that augment human capabilities and assist individuals with mobility challenges. Researchers in this field design and optimize wearable robotic devices such as exoskeletons and powered orthoses, integrating innovative actuation mechanisms, sensors, and control algorithms. These wearable robots aim to enhance mobility, reduce physical strain, and improve quality of life for users with mobility impairments or those engaged in physically demanding tasks. The center's interdisciplinary approach combines expertise in robotics, biomechanics, and rehabilitation sciences, driving forward transformative advancements in wearable robotics technology and fostering collaborations with industry partners to facilitate real-world deployment and impact.

HGN Lab for Bionic Engineering

Tommaso Lenzi, PhD

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Lab Website: HGN Lab for Bionic Engineering

We envision a world where everyone can move and live independently. We envision a world where congenital or acquired body differences, trauma, and injury would not prevent people from pursuing their life goals. We envision a world where advanced bionic technologies will enhance the human body by restoring, preserving, and augmenting human movement ability across the lifespan. To achieve this goal, we focus on the intersection of Robotics, Design, Control, Biomechanics, and Neural Engineering. Our goal is to create new science and develop new technologies empowering the next generation of wearable bionic devices and systems to help people move and live independently, ultimately ending physical disability.

Human-Centered Haptics & Robotics Lab

Edoardo Battaglia, PhD

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Lab Website: Human-Centered Haptics and Robotics Lab

The Human-Centered Haptics and Robotics (h-CHAR) Laboratory focuses on the design and evaluation of robotic and mechatronic systems for human-focused applications, such as sensing of kinematic and interaction forces, haptic feedback and training and assistive tasks. Our vision is to create devices that will be functional not just from an engineering point of view, but also from a user-centered perspective, with the goal of creating technology that will be intuitive to use, and as unobtrusive as possible. We target applications in high-impact settings such as medical care and diagnosis, training and virtual/augmented reality.

Utah Wearable Robotics Lab

Haohan Zhang, PhD

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Lab Website: Utah Wearable Robotics Lab

We specialize in wearable robotic solutions by leveraging mechanism design and modern computational methods. We strive to understand the sensorimotor system through experiments using wearable robotic platforms. Our laboratory aspires to make a positive impact on daily living of individuals with motor impairments through increased independence and social inclusion.