Obi Robotic Feeding Device Review

Our Verdict

The Obi Feeding Device restores independence and confidence to people with all types of disabilities, and it looks good doing it! 

Pros:

• Smooth motion for no spills and predictability
• Set the delivery point in one swift motion 
• Four food containers without taking up more space than a regular place setting
• Compatible with all types of switches for all types of disabilities

Cons:

• Cost and insurance coverage limitations

Why Obi is better than other feeding devices

For starters, Obi is friendly. The fact that it is light-hearted and fluid, rather than stiff and machine-like makes Obi feel like a companion, not just a device. That is important if you want to restore dinging confidence and sociability to people with disabilities.

Obi’s white, streamlined silhouette is reminiscent of Pixar’s iconic bouncing lamp. 

Obi is also teachable, making it an even more human-like companion. It takes just seconds to train Obi to move its arm and spoon, stopping right in front of the user’s mouth at the proper height.

• Two capability switches can instruct Obi to either scoop or deliver food. It’s this system that provides the ability for individuals to dine independently. The switches can be operated by elbow, foot, or any way working best for the user. 

• Obi is intuitive. If something obstructs the path between spoon and mouth, Obi will stop and await re-direction via the capability switch.

• Obi controls portions effectively and can scoop food in two directions.

• Obi is quiet and inconspicuous. Users can carry on mealtime conversations without feeling like there’s a machine between them and their companions.

• Obi’s graceful, life-like motions are a pleasant addition to the dining experience, rather than an intrusion.

• Obi is as portable as a laptop, making it ideal for eating at restaurants, on the back porch, or at a friend’s house. 

Best price for buying the Obi online

Obi Robotic Feeding and Dining Assistant View Product

Who would benefit from using Obi?

Quite simply, Obi can be life-changing for any person who has lost (or is losing) the capability to eat independently, for any reason. 

Children with physical or cognitive limitations can be taught to use Obi. Gaining independence in this basic area of self-care can lead to other gains in social and cognitive functioning, and improve an individual's self-confidence.

What are Obi customers saying?

“Before Obi I didn’t really like to eat. Obi has brought the joy for eating into my life. Eating is no longer something I have to do, it’s something I get to do.” - Obi user living with quadriplegic cerebral palsy

“Obi has benefited the whole family. The time I used to spend feeding can now be spent taking care of all three of my kids. It’s great feeling like a mom again!” - Mother of 3-year old Obi user

“Since I have been using Obi, I feel the independence that I thought I wouldn’t have. I can feed myself without my friends having to feed me, and it feels so awesome!” - 20 year-old Obi user

The story behind the Obi Robotic Feeder

“Obi” comes from the word obeisance, meaning “a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy.” 

Jon Dekar first developed the idea for the Obi Robotic Dining Assistant as a teenager working in nursing homes.

As Jon explains it, “Every day, millions of people must be fed by caregivers, and they find the experience to be conspicuous and frustrating. Feeding oneself is a basic human need, and there was no good solution available. I became inspired to change that.”

Jon witnessed the indignity and frustration experienced by his grandfather, who developed a degenerative disease and gradually lost the ability to feed himself.

Together with his father, Tom Dekar, Jon formed DESIN (pronounced “design”), a consumer robotics company. Obi is the company’s debut product.