Robotic Eating Devices

Robotic eating devices are designed to enable individuals with limited upper extremity movement to perform the important self care activity of eating a meal without assistance of a caregiver once food is preloaded into the device/s.

Typically robotic eating devices will consist of a plate with multiple compartments and a robotic mechanism that ends in a spoon. The robotic arm will scoop food into the spoon from the plate and then move the spoon to in front of the user’s mouth. These devices will may applicable for individuals who have a high level spinal cord injury, ALS or other condition resulting in limited arm movement.

Insurance should cover these items but that is not always the case. The price for these eating aids may be over 8,000 dollars making it difficult if self payment is necessary. We will discuss two of the robotic eating devices that are available in the US. The Neater Eater is also a robotic eating aid that is manufactured in the UK.

The Obi pictured above has a sleek look and a smooth movement. It weighs just over seven pounds and is easily portable. I didn’t mention previously that with any robotic eating aid foods must be precut and loaded onto the plate.

The Mealtime Partner is also a robotic eating device that is manufactured in the US. The Mealtime Partner is mounted at a higher level than the Obi. The food compartments rotate vs. remaining in place with the Obi. They are comparable in price at around 8,000 dollars.

Thanks for visiting today! We have lots of information on this web site about adaptive dining including an adaptive eating aids guide. We also invite you to contact us at your convenience.