"A robotic dinner plate with a human-like arm is revolutionizing the lives of the differently abled," said Ananya Bhattacharya at Quartz. Obi is a sleek white robot that makes it possible for people with impaired movement to feed themselves. The $4,500 device includes a rotating serving dish with four compartments for different foods, as well as a robotic-arm fitted with a spoon.
A caregiver teaches Obi where to deliver the food by moving its robotic arm. "After that, the robot is able to replicate the process," with users able to toggle between the different compartments and tell the arm when to feed. "I realized there were millions of people who were extremely unhappy and frustrated with being fed or force-fed by others," said Jon Dekar, who designed Obi while studying at the University of Dayton.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 health-conscious cartoons about anti-vaccine rhetoricCartoons Artists take on RFK Jr's militant methods, the viral lottery, and more
-
September 13 editorial cartoonsCartoons Saturday's political cartoons include court-approved racial profiling and America's moral compass
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashionIn the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
