Hello Robot Receives Nearly $3M NIH Grant for Assistive Robotics Research
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Hello Robot has secured a nearly $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop its Stretch mobile manipulator for assistive robotics. The three-year project, launched on September 22 and running through May 2029, is a collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It specifically targets older adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s dementia. Researchers will utilize the new Stretch 4 model to provide cognitive assistance, social engagement, and safety management in home and care settings. The study involves participatory design research with 60 participants, including older adults, care partners, and professional staff. Initial testing will occur at the university’s McKechnie Family LIFE Home before expanding to broader evaluations. This initiative builds upon previous NIH-funded work by Hello Robot and the university to refine robotic capabilities for individuals with cognitive and physical impairments.
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