If you or a loved one has a disability that makes it difficult, or impossible, to use common eating utensils, get acquainted with Obi, “an innovative robotic feeding device, bringing independence and dignity back to the simple activity of eating a meal.” Simply put, Obi is a robotic arm with a spoon and four bowls that moves towards the disabled diner’s mouth so they can eat. Each bowl can be filled with a different part of the meal if the diner likes their food separated, and it can even hold liquids like soup and cereal.
Obi is also a recent award winner in the 54th Annual R&D 100 Awards in the Mechanical/Materials category, which celebrates the “100 most technically significant breakthroughs in the marketplace” in 2016.
Obi can help patients affected with the following conditions:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- ALS
- Arthrogryposis
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Parkinson’s
Find Obi on:
Obi is a little on the expensive side for now, as many innovative products are when they are still young, but the company makes a great suggestion.Crowdfunding campaignssuch as GoFundMe and Indiegogo can cover the costs, and make it more affordable, or even free if the campaign meets its goal.
