Academic Projects

The true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.

Academic Partnership Program Description:

Through the Mobility Independence Foundation’s Academic Partnership Program, students will come to understand problems affecting society’s most vulnerable and be presented with a unique perspective and opportunity to apply their skills to a deeply meaningful real-world problem.

Students will learn to exercise empathy, awareness, and sensitivity while applying their skills to real-world problems by examining the challenges that many people face with respect to mobility challenges, whether an individual is born with or acquires a condition affecting their mobility, sustains an injury that reduces their mobility, or has reached an advanced age and the individual requires mobility assistance.

The Mobility Independence Foundation hosts a repository of open-source designs that any individual can access, modify, or customize however they choose for their own individual needs.  

Therefore, the Mobility Independence Foundation requires that all submissions be released open-source and in agreement with open-source principles. The Mobility Independence Foundation will offer a license to manufacture these designs only to businesses who agree to open-source principles and all revenue will strictly fund future open-source projects and academic programs that the MIF provides.

All submissions for hardware designs should meet the following requirements:

All submissions must be able to demonstrate how an individual with mobility challenges (with reasonable assistance) would successfully use the design and achieve the end product in a reasonable and practical manner.

Open-Source:

The designs must be released open-source, meaning any individual can access the design to utilize, modify or adapt however they choose for individual use.

Inventory:

Submissions must include a parts manual with complete inventory of all parts used in the design down to nuts and bolts, including part numbers, description of relevant specifications, where the parts can be purchased in stores or online, and the prices per unit. 

Drawings:

Submissions must include detailed instructions, schematics, files and digital models so that the end-user could reasonably assemble the device or find a vendor, mechanic, or technician to assist them with any fabrication needs.

Customization:

All designs must demonstrate that other designers could alter their design in the event that the original design does not adequately fit the needs of the user.

Modularity:

All designs should allow for a range of features and components that the user may select and swap out, or provide that components could be plug and play or upgraded by future designs.

For example, one user may be comfortable with a joystick for their human interface devices, another may require a pneumatic device, or other ways to interface with the controls. Perhaps you have a new idea?

Technical Assistance:

If a component must be assembled or fabricated by an experienced technician, provide detailed instructions on how to research and contact technical experts, hobby shops, and maker’s spaces that can provide services and assist the user.

Readability:

All designs must be written as a step-by-step guide for an individual presumed to have no knowledge or technical expertise through the entire process, including where they may find assistance to ensure success.

Proof of Concept:

All submissions must be able to demonstrate how an individual with mobility challenges (with reasonable assistance) would successfully use the design and achieve the end product in a reasonable and practical manner.

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Current Academic Projects Assigned:

Open-Source Manual Wheelchair Design

Assigned to: Northeastern University Engineering Department, Bioengineering Program

Cohort: May-June 2025, 6 month break, January-April 2026

Project Description: 

Students will embark on a mission to create an innovative, open-source manual wheelchair design that can be easily assembled using readily available bicycle parts and hardware from local stores, with minimal reliance on complex manufacturing processes. This project challenges students to think globally and consider the needs of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

While many in the United States are accustomed to reliable electricity, fast internet, and convenient access to online shopping, these luxuries are not a reality for a large portion of the global population. In many parts of the world, electricity is intermittent, internet connectivity is unstable, and they are not able to have products delivered to their doorsteps within a few hours of online purchase.

This project is designed to address the mobility needs of individuals in resource-limited settings, where access to commercial wheelchairs and mobility aids is often out of reach. Students will be tasked with developing a wheelchair design that can be assembled using parts and materials commonly found in local shops—such as bicycle repair shops, automotive repair shops, and hardware stores—enabling care providers in these regions to create and maintain wheelchairs with the resources available to them.

The ultimate goal is to equip hospitals, doctors, and care providers in underserved regions with a practical, cost-effective solution for building manual wheelchairs locally, reducing reliance on costly imports and enabling faster, more reliable access to mobility aids for those in need.

Focus Areas:

  • Chassis and Actuation Device Design: Students will design a wheelchair frame and manual propulsion system using off-the-shelf components that can be sourced from bicycle shops and hardware stores. The focus will be on lowering costs and ensuring that parts can be easily substituted and repaired locally.
  • Suspension System: Develop a suspension system that allows the wheelchair to navigate rough terrain, providing comfort and stability beyond well-maintained sidewalks and paved areas.
  • Modularity and Customization: The design should accommodate a wide range of body types and lifestyles, with modular components that can be easily adjusted or replaced to fit the user’s specific needs. A poorly fitting wheelchair can lead to further health complications, so ensuring a proper fit is crucial.
  • Manual Braking System: Improve the manual braking system to reduce wear and prevent accidental release, ensuring the user’s safety at all times.
  • Seating Ergonomics: Design a seating system that minimizes pressure sores, improves cleanliness, and ensures breathability, using materials that can be locally sourced and easily maintained.

Goals & Deliverables:

The final product should be a complete open-source design for a modular manual wheelchair that can be produced with standard parts available at bicycle shops and hardware stores worldwide. The design should include a comprehensive parts list, detailed assembly instructions, and all necessary schematics and drawings. 

The goal is for the average bicycle mechanic to be able to build the wheelchair, thus leveraging an existing network of skilled individuals to address the global need for affordable and accessible mobility aids in a decentralized manner. Students should consider interviewing mechanics and technicians as they explore working within these limitations.

This project represents a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of those who rely on mobility assistance, providing a solution that is not only functional and affordable but also adaptable to the diverse needs of users around the world.

Online Repository Web Portal:

Assigned to: Rochester Institute of Technology, Computer Science Department

Cohort: Fall of 2024

Project Description: 

In the world of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), access to essential devices can be a lifeline for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and others who require mobility aids. Yet, inefficiencies in inventory management and a lack of communication between nonprofits and organizations can lead to equipment sitting unused, aging out, or being discarded—all while others are in urgent need of those very same items.

This project aims to create an online collaborative resource specifically designed for nonprofits and organizations that loan, repair, and manage DME. The platform will serve as a centralized inventory system where organizations can list, track, and share their stock of DME, enabling more effective and equitable distribution of resources across different regions. 

By connecting entities that might be geographically distant—like an organization in New Jersey needing a part that one in California has on hand—the platform will reduce waste, improve service delivery, and ensure that more individuals receive the mobility equipment they need, when they need it.

Focus Areas:

  • Centralized Inventory System: Develop a robust, easy-to-use online inventory system where organizations can log and manage their DME stock. The system should allow for real-time updates, notifications, and search capabilities to identify available equipment or parts across participating entities.
  • Resource Sharing: The platform will facilitate the sharing of resources between organizations, reducing redundancies and enabling equipment to be utilized where it is needed most. This will not only improve service delivery but also extend the lifespan of valuable equipment that might otherwise be discarded.
  • Web Forum for Technicians: Create a dedicated web forum where technicians and experts can share knowledge, tips, and best practices for repairing and upgrading DME. This collaborative space will empower organizations to maintain and enhance their equipment more effectively, ensuring it remains in good working order for as long as possible.
  • Sustainability and Waste Reduction: By enabling organizations to share parts and equipment, the platform will help reduce the environmental impact of DME waste. Equipment that might have been discarded due to a lack of local resources can instead be refurbished and put to use elsewhere.
  • Future Integration with Open-Source Designs: Looking ahead, the platform will also serve as a repository for open-source designs of DME. This will allow organizations to access and implement innovative solutions, customize equipment to meet specific needs, and contribute to the growing library of open-source resources.

Goals & Deliverables:

The primary goal of this project is to build a fully functional online platform that nonprofits and other DME providers can use to streamline their inventory management and resource sharing. The platform should include a centralized inventory system, a web forum for technical support, and features that encourage collaboration and sustainability.

Deliverables will include:

  • A fully operational website with secure user accounts, inventory management tools, and search functions.
  • A web forum where technicians can communicate, share knowledge, and collaborate on DME repairs and upgrades.
  • Documentation and tutorials to help organizations onboard to the platform and maximize its benefits.
  • A roadmap for future integration of open-source DME designs, allowing the platform to grow and evolve with the needs of its users.

This project will not only enhance the ability of organizations to serve their communities more effectively but will also contribute to a more sustainable and collaborative ecosystem for DME provision worldwide.

Open-Source Power Wheelchair Seating System Design

Assigned to: University of Rochester, Engineering Department

Cohort: Fall of 2024

Project Description:

Seating systems in power wheelchairs are critical for the safety, comfort, health, and overall quality of life for individuals who rely on these devices for mobility. 

However, many existing systems are either prohibitively expensive considering the affordability of the materials they are made from. They lack adjustability or fail to address common issues such as pressure sores and the complications that can arise from them, including sepsis and potential limb loss.

This project focuses on designing an open-source, customizable seating system for power wheelchairs that addresses these challenges directly. 

This seating system design will be electrically powered to enable tilting, reclining, and leg rest adjustments, providing the user with greater comfort and flexibility in a variety of situations. 

Most importantly, the seating system will be width-adjustable, accommodating changes in the user’s body size—an essential feature for those who may experience weight fluctuations due to new disabilities or other health conditions.

Focus Areas:

  • Open-Source Principles: All designs, schematics, and assembly instructions will be made available as open-source materials. This ensures that individuals, caregivers, and technicians worldwide can access, modify, and customize the seating system to meet specific needs without the barriers of cost or proprietary restrictions.
  • Electrical Adjustability: Design a seating system that offers electrical controls for tilting, reclining, and adjusting the leg rests. This will provide users with the ability to easily change positions throughout the day, reducing the risk of pressure sores and enhancing overall comfort.
  • Width Adjustability: Create a mechanism that allows the seat’s width to be adjusted easily. This feature is crucial for accommodating weight changes, ensuring the seat remains a proper fit over time, and preventing the discomfort and health risks associated with poorly fitting seating systems.
  • Aerated Seat Pan: Incorporate an aerated seat pan to promote airflow and reduce moisture buildup. This design element is vital in preventing pressure sores and limiting the growth of bacteria, which can lead to serious infections and other health complications.
  • Pressure Sore Prevention: Design the seating system with materials and structures that distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of pressure sores. Consider integrating sensors or alert systems that notify users or caregivers when repositioning is needed to prevent prolonged pressure on vulnerable areas.

Goals & Deliverables:

The project’s goal is to deliver a fully functional, open-source design for a power wheelchair seating system that is adaptable, comfortable, and conducive to long-term health. The design should be replicable with commonly available materials and components, making it as accessible as possible to a global audience.

Deliverables will include:

  • Detailed schematics and CAD models of the seating system.
  • A comprehensive parts list with specifications, sourcing information, and costs.
  • Step-by-step assembly instructions, including adjustments for width and electrical systems.
  • Documentation on the aerated seat pan design, including materials and manufacturing methods to ensure durability and effectiveness.
  • Open-source licensing documentation to ensure that the designs remain freely available and can be distributed widely.

This project will not only advance the state of power wheelchair seating technology but will also empower users and caregivers by providing a customizable, affordable solution that can be tailored to individual needs.

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