The Obi Feeding Device restores independence and confidence to people with all types of disabilities, and it looks good doing it!
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.
Obi Robotic Feeding and Dining Assistant View Product |
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.
“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
“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.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.