PITTSBURGH, PA, Nov 7, 2025 – Assistive Technology Development, Inc. (ATDev) has announced that it is a subcontractor for the Robotic Assistive Mobility and Manipulation Platform (RAMMP) program, awarded to the University of Pittsburgh under the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) for up to $41 million.
Led by Rory Cooper, Ph.D., at the University of Pittsburgh, the RAMMP program aims to develop open-source robotic systems to assist people with disabilities. The initiative combines robotics, AI, and digital twin simulation to reduce dependence on caregivers.
“RAMMP program, supported by ARPA-H investment represents a national commitment to transforming independence through robotics,” said Todd Roberts, CEO and co-founder of ATDev. “We’re honored to contribute our expertise in assistive technology R&D, accessibility design, and robotic medical device commercialization to a project that could redefine what independence means for millions of Americans.”
Building the Next Generation of Robotic Wheelchairs
ATDev’s role in the RAMMP program includes designing and developing an operating system (OS) and simulation platform for assistive technology. The company is also building hardware components intended for medical robotics platforms. The systems will integrate adaptive AI controls, sensor fusion, and user interfaces to enable semi-autonomous navigation and manipulation, allowing users perform daily tasks safely and independently.
“This is the future of mobility,” said Owen Kent, CMO and co-founder of ATDev. “By bridging our commercial work in affordable assistive technology with cutting-edge robotics research, we’re taking a major step toward a world where every person, regardless of physical ability, can move freely and live with dignity.”
A National Vision for Mobility Innovation
The RAMMP program builds on research at the University of Pittsburgh’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL). As part of the initiative, William Emfinger, Ph.D., will join ATDev as principal investigator and chief technology officer. He previously served as CTO at Max Mobility and director of R&D at Permobil. ATDev is collaborating with Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Northeastern University, Purdue University, Kinova Robotics, and LUCI Mobility while working on the RAMMP program. The team aims to advance the development of robotic assistive devices that are accessible and designed for user needs.
Source: ATDev
About Assistive Technology Development, Inc. (ATDev)
Assistive Technology Development Inc. (ATDev), based in Loveland, CO, develops robotic mobility and rehabilitation devices for the healthcare, physical therapy, and assistive technology sectors. Founded in 2020 as a spinout from the University of California, the company focuses on robotics, telehealth, and wearable systems that support rehabilitation and independent mobility. ATDev recently raised $3M in seed funding and reports estimated annual revenue of under $1M.
About Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) was established in 2022 to fund biomedical and health research that traditional programs often cannot address. Operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the agency supports work in biotechnology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and health data systems. ARPA-H received $1.5B in federal funding for fiscal year 2024. It follows a hub-and-spoke model with headquarters located in Washington, D.C., and regional offices in Cambridge, MA and Dallas, TX.