The Obi Robotic Feeding and Dining Assistant blends cutting edge robotics with simple, intuitive controls and a sleek, modern design. These elements combine to create a product that is innovative, practical, and visually appealing while providing an enjoyable and effortless dining experience for those who rely on feeding assistance.
This dining assistant is ideal for people of all ages who live with conditions that affect the upper extremities such as ALS, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's, spinal injuries, or stroke. Obi allows people who rely on aid the freedom to go and dine when and where they please whether at home, at school, or in restaurants without the limitation of total reliance on a caregiver. Obi weighs only 7-pounds in order to enable easy transport to wherever you need to go.
Easy to setup, the Obi has a "teach" mode that can be engaged with the press of a single button, and with the aid of a caregiver or friend one single motion will tell the Obi exactly where it needs to place food. Then through the use of (2) buttons or switches, (2) of which are included in the initial package, the device can cycle between (4) foods and individually lift each for a clean, controllable meal. After a few scoops in a single pocket of the Obi's specialized "plate" the spoon will adjust its angle and ensure it gets every last bite to provide a full meal.
The 6-degrees of movement and freedom on the Obi's arm allows it to make clean, precise motions. This makes it not only extremely precise and stable, but allows it to give pleasant animated greetings, and reach any number of angles to get food to the mouth of anyone regardless of hide or reach. To further your mealtime safety and enjoyment, the Obi features collision detection - meaning if it bumps into any part of your face it doesn't intend to, it will cease forward motion and pull back slightly to avoid injury.
Obi is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides between three and four hours of service when fully charged, and features a plate that is safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave. The included spoons are also dishwasher safe, and the BPA-free plastic is easy to clean and prepare for the next meal.
For the safest and easiest use, Obi users should have the ability to chew and swallow on their own as well as the cognitive ability to operate a simple machine. If there are any concerns, it is best for a friend or caregiver to accompany the user while they eat to make sure there are no complications.
The Obi Dining Assistant gives those who struggle with upper extremity weakness the opportunity to take back that little extra bit of their independence and, hopefully, bring a little extra joy to each meal.
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