Rory Cooper was named to Forbes’ list of most successful living veterans

Rory Cooper was named to the Forbes 250: America’s Most Successful Living Veteran list in recognition of founding the University of Pittsburgh’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), where he designs wheelchair technology that helps reduce repetitive use injuries.

The Forbes Veteran 250 list spotlights the post-service contributions of American military heroes, focusing on individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on business, entrepreneurship, government, philanthropy and culture. Forbes released the ranking, the first of its kind, this month to celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial birthday. It includes figures like former President George W. Bush, Noble Peace Prize recipient Al Gore and Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman.

Cooper has led groundbreaking research in wheelchair design, robotics and other assistive technologies to help individuals regain their independence. He holds more than 20 patents, is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. In 2023, he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from the president of the United States and was inducted into the 50th class of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Most recently, Cooper is working as co-PI on a $41.5 million Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health award to design HERL’s Robotic Assistive Mobility and Manipulation Platform system, which integrates advanced robotics, sensing and embodied artificial intelligence. This spring, the team debuted a prototype that can empower wheelchair users to navigate common daily challenges: scaling sidewalk curbs, maneuvering uneven terrain, opening doors and even carrying a beverage.

Cooper will be acknowledged at the Forbes Veteran 250 Celebration in San Diego in November.

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski