AXLE Lab

The AXLE Lab is an interdisciplinary research group within the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. We develop technology solutions to support, enhance, understand, and celebrate Ability in its many forms. The research we conduct aims to improve the quality of human lives through the thoughtful application of technology and social interventions.

Research areas

  • Human-Centered Sensing and Interfaces

    We create novel interactive experiences and examine the complexities of interaction for people who represent the diversity of human ability, building input and output into the everyday and “smart” devices people already use — including wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

  • Mobility and Autonomy

    We design and study mobility services and devices through community- and participant-engaged methods, toward systems that are accessible, integrated, and equitable — across public transit, rideshare, scooter- and bike-share programs, ground-based delivery robots, and autonomous vehicles.

  • Participation and Performance in Sports and Recreation

    We develop and study technology supports for full experiences in competitive activities and games, with current projects reducing barriers to participation and enhancing the experience of capturing and using analytics to achieve excellence.

  • Immersive Technology and Interaction

    We work to improve the overall experience of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications, engaging the interaction challenges imposed by today’s immersive interfaces, with a special emphasis on the experience and representation of motion and mobility in these contexts.

Recent publications

2026

2025

All 75 publications