Obi Adaptive Eating Device Helps You Eat Independently
The idea for Obi came from the co-founder and CEO Jon Dekar after he saw his sick grandfather struggle to eat. The sickness made eating frustrating for his grandfather because he couldn’t choose his own food or eat at his own pace.
Jon also saw similar problems when he volunteered at hospitals. One memory that stuck with him was of a girl named Hope who had Arthrogryposis and wanted to be more independent at meal times.
Despite the abundant technology in the world, there was nothing that was made to help people like Jon’s grandpa or Hope eat on their own.
This void in the healthcare ecosystem led Jon to create Obi – the adaptive eating device.
Development Process
Obi has come a long way from when it was just an idea in Jon Dekar’s head. It is already said that Jon had this vision after seeing his grandpa and Hope struggle to eat.
After the idea came the first version of Obi which was called Alpha. It was built using Legos, wood and rubber bands
Subsequently, with the help of experts, Jon improved Alpha’s design and features to make it a real machine (Charlie). This machine went through several tests to ensure that it was safe and easy to use.
The final product is what we know today as the Obi robotic feeder.
Funding
Obi secured funding through several rounds of venture capital investments and equity crowdfunding.
In a later stage of venture capital, Obi was able to raise $ 4.75 million. They also had some crowdfunding on August 13, 2018, and angel investor funding on December 31, 2014.
Technology
Mechanics
1. There is a small robotic arm used to handle food. This arm can be programmed to pick up and position various food items precisely.
2. The device has four compartments for food placement. Users can place different food choices in each compartment to suit their tastes.
3. Obi relies on switches for user control. These switches can be activated by any body part that can press a button.
Software
Software controls the control system which controls the robotic arm’s movements. The software also controls the safety features to ensure a smooth operation and prevent accidents.
Customization
The user can control how much food Obi picks up so that they can get exactly the amount they want in each bite. Whether the food is mashed up or in whole pieces, Obi can handle it.
Safety Features
Obi is equipped with collision detection technology, so if it bumps into something like your face or the table or wall, it stops moving immediately.
Another feature is how smoothly and precisely the robotic arm movies. Its design minimizes jerky or sudden motions, reducing the risk of spills or accidents.
Obi obtained FDA clearance after meeting rigorous safety and performance standards. Compliance with these regulations ensures that the device is safe for use by individuals with mobility limitations.
Maintenance
Obi comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A fully charged battery provides 3 to 4 hours of eating time.
To clean the base unit and robotic arm, wipe down with a disinfecting arm or damp towel. As for the spoon, plate and placemat, they can be washed in a sink or dishwasher like any regular utensil.
Target Users
Obi is a helpful robot for people who have trouble using their arms to eat. Here’s who Obi can help:
- People with muscle diseases. This includes ALS, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and other motor neuron disorders.
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with spinal cord injuries
- Stroke survivors who now suffer from hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body).
- People with arthritis and joint disorders.
- People with degenerative conditions (such as multiple sclerosis) may gradually lose arm strength and dexterity.
- Older adults who find it harder to move around.
Real-life Users
The robot in action from a real user
Market Reach
You can buy directly from the website ($8000 per robot) or get it via insurance and veteran administration.
However, it is available for sale only in the United States.
Pros and Cons of Obi
What the experts are saying
Final Thoughts
Obi feeding robot is such a brilliant idea that is helping those who have lost their independence to gain some of it. Hopefully, the company will grow and be able to reach people in need in other parts of the world.
