Project Description:
The Feeding Equipment for Eating with Enhanced Dignity (FEEED) device is a low-cost robotic mealtime feeder that provides a mealtime solution for those who are not able to feed themselves independently (such as those with quadriplegia or cerebral palsy). The FEEED device is under $300 (industry counterparts sell at above $5000), manufacturable at scale and we've tested it with real users. The automatic feeder is designed to be easy to produce with off the shelf components, 3d-printed parts, and a simple assembly process. It can be programmed on the fly to work with different plates, bowls, and utensils, and performs a feeding action when input is given. It is designed with accessibility at the forefront and targets individuals and settings with limited resources that would not otherwise have access to products like the FEEED device. A significant amount of people globally could benefit from it. No one should have to sacrifice their independence or dignity at mealtime simply because existing solutions are too expensive or impractical. FEEED is engineering for good because the most powerful technology is the kind that puts people first!
