Robotic feeding arm unveiled

Small and silent, the Bestic robotic arm is targeted specifically at those who want to eat on their own instead of relying on someone else to feed them. By choosing a suitable control device, the user can independently control the movement of the spoon on the plate and choose what and when to eat. "Meals affect our general well being and those who have tried the product have expressed an immense relief and joy in being able to eat on their own," said Catharina Borgenstierna, managing director at Bestic AB. "When using the device you decide which food items that should be lifted from the plate to your mouth, using a keypad or joystick to make it happen." According to Borgenstierna, the device is aimed at giving individuals a better quality of life and improving the working conditions for healthcare staff. Sten Hemmingsson, founder of Bestic AB, commented: "About seven years ago I realised that it would be difficult to continue to eat by myself. To be fed by another person affected my self confidence and self esteem too much. "Since I was not the only person to have this situation, I searched for a suitable eating assistive device but could not find anything suitable to my needs. I then started to look for different solutions and began to cooperate with Ann-Louise Norén, an engineering student at Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden. "I wanted to see if it was possible to manage eating by yourself even with very little capabilities in your arms and hands. And to make it work well and feel good. The result is Bestic." The development project lasted sevenyears and was carried out in cooperation with the Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology (SIAT), Permobilia, SICS (Swedish Institute of Computer Science) and Robobusiness.