The Center for Orthopedics Research and Development (CORD) works closely with Nemours Department of Orthopedics to develop devices and methods that directly impact children with musculoskeletal and orthopedic disabilities. The Center efforts are focused within the Pediatric Engineering Research Laboratory (PERL).
CORD strives to produce tangible benefits for children by partnering with companies and obtaining extramural and intramural grants. Several patents from the PERL have been granted, including the WREX (Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton) that allows children with weakness to move their arms in three-dimensional space in front of them, and the Cricket, a brace compliance sensor.
The Center also collaborates with regional academic institutions including Drexel University, the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania.
CORD works closely with the Gait Lab. The Gait Analysis Laboratory at the duPont Hospital for Children was created in 1993 to provide the medical community with state-of-the art, computer assisted motion analysis of the complex gait cycle.