September 11, 2026
By Mikey Fuller

Research participants who have contributed their time and experiences to mobility research were recently welcomed to Georgia Tech for a special day of appreciation hosted by the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering’s Exoskeleton and Prosthetic Intelligent Controls (EPIC) Lab.

The Partners in Motion Community Outreach and Appreciation Day, hosted by Principal Research Scientist Kinsey Herrin, Joseph Anderer Faculty Fellow and Woodruff Professor Greg Sawicki, and James R. and Sarah R. Borders Faculty Fellow and Professor Aaron Young, brought together participants, students, faculty, and researchers to celebrate the people whose participation helps advance mobility research and technologies designed to improve quality of life.

The event began with a catered lunch, allowing participants to connect with members of the Georgia Tech community, as well as others who have taken part in the lab’s studies. A slideshow highlighted participants’ contributions to the lab’s research over the years, followed by TED Talk-style presentations from Georgia Tech students Sidd Nathella, Ethan Park, Sofia Arvelo Rojas, and John Shim, along with Young.

Participants also got an inside look at the research taking place in the EPIC Lab through hands-on demonstrations. Stations featured prosthetic technologies, a role-swapping competition complete with 3D-printed trophies, hip-knee-ankle exoskeletons, commercialization efforts, and upper-limb glove and exoskeleton technologies.

Beyond showcasing the lab’s research, the event provided an opportunity for the Woodruff School community to recognize the important role research participants play in making that work possible.

Attendees described the experience as uplifting, informative, and exciting. One participant shared, “It was an honor to be with you and your teams to see first-hand the amazing research you are doing to help so many gain back their independence and quality of life!”

Herrin and her team also recognized Partners in Motion board members Robert Edgerton, Diana Taylor, and Brandon Todd for their guidance and support in shaping the event.