Researchers at the University of Delaware have launched a new artificial intelligence institute
WPVI
ByChristie Ileto
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 8:30PM
NEWARK, Del. (WPVI) –Researchers at the University of Delaware have launched a new artificial intelligence institute aimed at developing technology that can assist clinicians and physical therapists in delivering more personalized care.
University leaders this week cut the ribbon on the National Science Foundation’s AI Institute headquartered at UD’s Data Science Institute. The initiative will focus on creating AI tools that work alongside healthcare providers by analyzing movement and medical records to help tailor treatment for patients with stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other mobility-related conditions.
“The clinical physical therapy lab is right next to the research physical therapy lab,” said Austin Brockmeier, deputy director and co-principal investigator of the NSF AI Institute. “Patients can go from one to the other.”
Brockmeier said the facility also includes research spaces for developing and testing new technologies.
“And across the hallway, additional research labs for prototyping,” he said. “Treadmills that have ways to engage people walking in ways that were never possible before.”
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The five-year, $21.5 million initiative is led by the University of Delaware in collaboration with four other institutions, including Delaware State University, the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University.
Researchers emphasized that the technology is intended to support, not replace, healthcare providers.
“A physical therapist has a limited time with every patient, so our goal is to make a partner with AI… doing analysis on the back end,” Brockmeier said. “And allow someone to come out with more efficient treatment.”
The University of Delaware’s center is the 30th AI institute established under the National Science Foundation program. Its focus is human-centered AI, with research aimed at helping people remain mobile and return to work, sports, and everyday activities.
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