Redefining the status quo

The James M. Cox Innovation Institute brings together clinical care, technology, analytics, and design under one roof. This space is built to accelerate the journey from idea to impact and provide collaborative spaces where engineers, researchers, clinicians, therapists, and patients converge to build the future of rehabilitation.

Innovation in action

Located on the 11th floor of the Marcus Center for Advanced Rehabilitation, this 30,000-square-foot facility incorporates the latest technology across four individual units. This shared infrastructure accelerates translation, providing dedicated space to test, refine, and deploy innovation in a clinical setting.

A modern, bright research lab features overhead motion capture cameras, computers on wooden desks, large windows, and a treadmill with handrails at the center. The room is spacious with high ceilings and exposed pipes.

Human Performance Lab

Designed to deliver precise, data-driven rehabilitation plans for each patient, the Human Performance Labratory supports activity-based and outcome-focused therapy. By leveraging advanced measurement and analytics, helping staff tailor rehabilitation strategies to individual progress and goals, reimaging what’s possible is a daily activity.

Close-up of a 3D printer on a wooden table with a blue-lit background. The printer's LCD screen displays settings and information. Multiple 3D printers are visible in the background, creating a high-tech workshop atmosphere.

AT Workshop

The Assistive Technology Workshop draws on the creativity of engineers and staff to prototype and refine assistive technologies and custom solutions for mobility, communication, and independence.

The Smart Tech Hub & Showroom

The Smart Tech Hub functions as a showcase and learning center for emerging assistive technologies, including adaptive gaming, smart home controls, and adapted driving. It is open to both Shepherd patients and the broader community, providing workshops and open houses for skill-building, device testing, and selection.

A woman kneels and assists a man standing against a wall as he exercises with resistance bands, holding them with both hands. Two chairs and a potted plant are nearby in the room.

Best Health Suite

This suite offers live and online wellness programs to people at every stage of recovery. It supports whole-person health with access to ongoing education and exercise programs, addressing both physical and mental well-being.

Headshot of Brad Wilingham

Innovation has been a part of what we do at Shepherd since day one. We are always thinking of new ways to solve the most long-standing problems in clinical care and nerve rehabilitation.

Brad Willingham, Ph.D. Director of Multiple Sclerosis Research

A hand picks up a small, round, metallic gray object from a group of similar objects, each placed on a square white paper with a black circle, arranged on a wooden surface.

Turning data into breakthroughs that change lives

At Shepherd Center, data science and analytics power innovation in rehabilitation — from predictive models to AI-driven tools that improve patient outcomes. Explore how our mission-driven approach transforms insights into real-world impact.

From the Newsroom