Researchers at Washington University have developed the robotic device Assistive Dexterous Arm (ADA), which helps people with limited mobility or amputees feed themselves. ADA can be attached to a wheelchair and, when activated, picks up a special 3D-printed fork. The researchers say that their invention could help millions of disabled and elderly people, who are often unable to use conventional food preparation devices such as blenders, mixers and choppers. When the meal is finished, ADA moves away and stows the fork.
Researchers at Washington University have developed the robotic device Assistive Dexterous Arm (ADA), which helps people with limited mobility or amputees feed themselves. ADA can be attached to a wheelchair and, when activated, picks up a special 3D-printed fork. Its cameras scan a plate of food, while algorithms help assess how it should be picked up and the ADA rotated to enable the user to eat it. When the meal is finished, ADA moves away and stows the fork.