The Liftware spoon, meant to assist people with uncontrollable shaking, is one of the latest technologies that has caught the eye - and wallet - of internet and technology giant Google.
Liftware users are able to recharge the portable device, and easily carry the utensil to restaurants, banquets, and dinner parties.
Lift Labs, a start-up company originally founded by the National Institutes of Health, developed the assisted-living device for those who suffer from Parkinson's disease, and other disorders that make feeding difficult.
Vibrations delivered by the user to the spoon handle are registered by the device, and processed by a small computer inside the utensil. This processor then directs the end of the spoon holding the food to move in the opposite direction, canceling the movement, maintaining stability. The utensil is able to compensate for up to around 70 percent of all tremors, keeping food stable in the spoon.
The Liftware utensil can be fitted with fork or soup spoon attachments, providing users with the ability to change between forms of tableware.
One challenge facing new users of the adaptive technology is learning how to relax, and allow the device to counteract the tremors. Like the human transportation device, the Segway, Liftware operates most efficiently without human correction to movements.
Lift Labs was acquired by management of Google in September 2014, for an undisclosed sum of money.
"We are a group of scientists and engineers working to develop new technologies to provide proactive care for people with essential tremor and Parkinson's Disease. Seeing our own friends and family suffering has motivated us to create Lift Labs and focus on improving overall quality of life and independence," Lift Labs announced on their Web site.
Parkinson's disease affects roughly one million people in the United States, causing moderate to severe tremors in those who suffer from the disease.
Anupam Pathak, founder of Life Labs, began research into an electronic spoon while studying motion stabilization as a graduate student .
Michael J. Fox, the actor best known for his roles in Family Ties and the Back to the Future movies, is one of the best-known victims of the disease. His foundation for Parkinson's research strives to foster research into treatments for the disease, and treatments for patients.
Previous treatments to manage tremors attempted to stabilize hands, using large braces which are both costly, and attract attention in public settings.
Liftware retails for $295, and optional attachments sell for $20. The developers are designing a key attachment for the device to assist people with challenges unlocking doors.
A video describing Liftware and detailing features of the device was released on Vimeo by Lift Labs.
