iEat

iEat - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Bay Area community

About this project

The team designed an arm that can help Zebreda eat independently. It is a reliable, comfortable and clean way to enable movement limited individuals to independently feed themselves. The potential benefits of such a product are innumerous, with greater personal independence chief among them.

The challenge

For a person with limited hand control, holding and using a spoon, fork or knife to eat is a significant challenge. Typically, a person with limited hand control must rely upon a family member or personal assistant to feed them. Imagine the logistics and costs associated with every meal, every spoonful, every bite—now imagine the independence and freedom most people take for granted throughout each day and every meal. For many people with limited hand control, a feeding device that allows one to independently access and manipulate a spoon or fork is truly a quality of life consideration. The good news is that there are a number of feeding devices commercially available; the problem is that these devices typically cost thousands of dollars and often promise more than they deliver. The need knower explains that she feels like she often eats like an animal once a plate of food is placed in front of her. She would like to design an affordable and functional feeder and believe that such a device could truly make a significant difference in the lives of many people who share a similar need.

Who it helps

Zebreda has limited hand control.

Project details

The build files for iEat are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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