On April 24, the McKechnie Family LIFE Home welcomed guests to its Spring Open House, bringing together campus researchers, students, community partners, and visitors for an afternoon of interactive demonstrations and research showcases.
The theme was “Student Engagement in Research”. Students and their mentors from the College of Applied Health Sciences (Human Factors and Aging Lab; Mahajan Lab; Disability, Participation and Quality of Life Research Lab; Aging and Neurocognition Lab) as well as the Grainger College of Engineering (Monolithic Systems Lab; Human Centered Autonomy Lab; Human Extended Reality Interaction Lab) presented ongoing interdisciplinary research projects, with interactive demos.
Presenters and Visitors from LIFE Home Spring 2026 Open House
Visitors experienced a wide range of demonstrations throughout the facility. Key presentations included a hands-free technology control system, Ohmni telepresence robot, Gita robot, autonomous Stretch robot controlled with using artificial intelligence or with extended reality glasses, social robots Moxie and Misty, a robotic showerhead for people with disabilities, and virtual reality demonstrations.
The LIFE Home staff, along with donors Jim and Karen McKechnie and Dan Fisk recognized the contributions to the facility of Dr. Jeff Woods, the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Applied Health Sciences, as he retires and start a new chapter in his life. Jeff’s engagement and support was vital to the establishment and development of the LIFE Home.
Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci visited the open house as well, engaging with students and faculty, learning about the LIFE Home’s work to advance technologies that support independence, accessibility, and quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Senator Faraci represents Illinois’ 52nd Legislative District, which includes the Champaign-Urbana area.
Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci with LIFE Home Director Dr. Wendy Rogers and Assistant Director Dr. Harshal Mahajan
LIFE Home Team and Donors Jim McKechnie, Karen McKechnie, and Dan Fisk honoring Jeff Woods