Lift Labs' tremor cancelling spoon, which incorporates "active cancellation of tremor" technology, would make the difficulties associated with eating for those suffering from Parkinson's disease a thing of the past. The $300 spoon, set to be released this month, is designed to actively counteract the tremors of those suffering from Parkinson's disease.
The Smart Spoon is embedded with a computer that analyzes the movements of the tremors and moves in the opposite direction to them, effectively cancelling out the excessive movements. While the physical difficulties of eating for those suffering from Parkinson's is well documented, the Smart Spoon would go a long way towards alleviating the more potentially devastating effects of indignity and embarrassment that many suffer. Its developer, Dr. Anupam Pathak, says the technology will aim to work with the patient, unlike previous technology that tried to "resist" patients' movements.
The Smart Spoon would also be a huge financial incentive for those who currently have to rely on caregivers to feed them. The Spoon comes together with a free iOS and Android app called Lift Pulse that can calculate the magnitude of patients' tremors using the phone's installed accelerometer.
Tremor-Cancelling Spoons
Active Cancellation Technology Counteracts Parkinson's Tremors
Trend Themes
1. Tremor-cancelling Technology - The active cancellation technology in Lift Labs' spoon presents an opportunity for further development in tremor-cancelling devices for various applications.
2. Assistive Eating Devices - The Smart Spoon's innovative approach to assistive eating devices opens up possibilities for creating new and improved products to help individuals with motor control difficulties.
3. Health Tech for Parkinson's - The integration of technology in the Smart Spoon highlights the potential for health tech solutions in managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and improving the quality of life for patients.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The tremor-cancelling spoon demonstrates a disruptive innovation opportunity in the medical devices industry, with potential for improving the lives of individuals with Parkinson's disease.
2. Assistive Technology - The Smart Spoon showcases the need for advancements in assistive technology, offering opportunities for companies to develop innovative devices and solutions for individuals with motor impairments.
3. Digital Health - The Lift Pulse app that comes with the Smart Spoon highlights the potential for digital health solutions in monitoring and managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease.