Meet the 2026 Developers' Showcase Participants at Abilities Expo in Long Beach, CA!

OmniCuff, a Modular Magnetic-Mechanical Assistive Hand System for Immediate Functional Independence in Individuals With Impaired Hand Grasp

Presenter: Will Muter (Reachable Technology)

Abstract: 

Loss or reduction of hand function limits independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and often necessitates caregiver assistance, contributing to decreased autonomy and quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). OmniCuff is a modular magnetic-mechanical assistive hand system designed to enable functional task performance without requiring active grasp. The wearable platform uses interchangeable adapters and object bases that allow users to attach, stabilize, and manipulate tools through gross arm movement or environmental support rather than fine motor control.

More than 200 individuals have trialed OmniCuff, with thousands of OmniCuff components in active daily use across environments. Existing configurations include a Meal Kit, Technology Kit, and General Kit primarily used for personal hygiene, with additional components deployed for varied functional tasks. The system was developed through an iterative co-design process involving direct collaboration with end-users and clinicians to ensure real-world usability, low activation force requirements, rapid configuration, and adaptability across task contexts.

Ongoing multi-site clinical studies currently in recruitment aim to quantify functional independence outcomes associated with OmniCuff use among individuals with SCI and ALS. Primary outcome measures include the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST), supplemented by open-ended qualitative questionnaires to capture user-reported experiences and priorities. These evaluations are intended to further characterize the device’s clinical impact, usability, and role within rehabilitation and home environments.

OmniCuff is presently in a beta development stage. The next-generation OmniCuff V1 system is under active development and is not yet commercially released. Continued engineering, clinical validation, and partner support are being pursued to optimize durability, manufacturability, and scalability. OmniCuff represents a scalable assistive technology platform intended to expand independence, reduce task-specific device burden, and advance user-centered innovation in upper-extremity assistive design.

Novel rear anti-tip device for manual wheelchairs that eliminates the trade-off between safety and participation

Presenter: R. Lee Kirby, MD, FRCPC (Dalhousie University)

Abstract: To help limit the extent of rear tipping, most wheelchair manufacturers provide conventional rear anti-tip devices (C-RADs) that extend backwards from the lower frame of the chair. However, C-RADs have several well-recognized limitations. The limitations of C-RADs and the inability of most wheelchair users to perform advanced wheelchair skills led us to design a self-deploying rear anti-tip device (the Arc-RAD) and to document that it could provide stability and better enable participation. In the resting position, the Arc-RAD arm angles downward and backward but does not extend beyond the rearmost aspect of the rear wheels. When a force is applied to the outer end (e.g., by an upward force if the wheelchair tips backward sufficiently for the outer end to contact the ground or a backward force as the wheelchair rolls forward over an obstacle), the arm rotates upward through an arc; hence the Arc-RAD name. Although the prototype that we used was suitable to confirm proof-of-concept, we are currently using insights from focus groups and an online survey to guide a design-for-manufacturing phase on the path to commercialization. We welcome the opportunity to receive feedback from RESNA attendees.

Hinged Tub Transfer Bench

Presenter: Randall Wesley (Jesse Brown VA Medical Center)

Abstract: Tub transfer benches while essential in many cases take up too much space, are difficult to keep water inside and are difficult to keep discrete. The Hinged tub bench has a platform with a friction hinge that rests on the lip of the tub and can be flipped up or down for easy bathing.  This device is patented and prototyped but not licensed.  Prototype was developed with engineers at Cleveland VA.