Utah Engineering Program Develops Paraglider for Disabled

Paraglider for the disabled, developed by University of Utah's Ergonomics and Safety Program (Univ. of Utah/Technology Venture Development)

The University of Utah’s Ergonomics and Safety Program is partnering with an organization for paragliding and hang-gliding by the disabled to develop a paraglider that paraplegics can fly on their own. The program, part of the university’s engineering department, produced the Phoenix — that had its maiden flight this summer — with the organization Able Pilot.

Utah’s Ergonomics and Safety Program, on the Salt Lake City campus, applies engineering principles and methodologies to minimize the physical hazards of the occupational environment.  The study of ergonomics and safety aims to minimize the hazards and maximize the efficiency of work systems — ranging from simple tools to complex industrial control dashboards — in which humans play a part.

Its research covers a number of disciplines, beginning with mechanical engineering, bioengineering, industrial hygiene, and occupational medicine. Among the lab’s focuses are rehabilitation and assistive technologies, which sparked the collaboration with Able Pilot, and development of the Phoenix.

Other work undertaken by the lab has led to several innovations to assist the disabled. One example is an exoskeleton for people suffering from back injuries, designed to aid in lifting and therefore enabling a faster return to work. Another project developed wheelchairs with alternative propulsion systems to provide more mobility on tricky surfaces like sand or snow.

A related technology developed in the Ergonomics and Safety lab involving mobility for children is a therapeutic tricycle that enables kids with disabilities to strengthen their gluteal muscles and develop a more natural walking gait. The technology was patented and became a commercial product that is still on the market.

Utah’s record for commercializing technologies developed in its labs is becoming legendary. In its last (2010-2011) fiscal year, the university spun-off 23 new companies from on-campus discoveries. In the previous fiscal year, Utah passed MIT as the leading institution in the U.S. for creating start-up companies based on university research.

Read more: University of Utah Spins-Off 23 Companies in 2010-2011

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