Google smart spoon Liftware

Google is always known for technology and innovation. After Smart lens, glasses, Google is throwing its money, brainpower, and technology at the humble spoon. However, these spoons are a bit more than basic utensil. Using hundreds of algorithms, they allow people with essential tremors and Parkinson disease to eat without spilling. The technology senses how a hand is shaking and makes instant adjustments to stay balanced. In clinical trials, the Liftware spoons reduced shaking of the spoon bowl by an average of 76%.

There are other adaptive devices, which have been developed to help people with tremors. These are rocker knives, weighted utensils, and pen grips. This device is helpful for patients who couldn’t eat independently and now they can. It does not cure the disease but it is a very positive change. Google got into the no-shake utensils business in September, acquiring a small, National of Institutes of Health Funded startup called Lift Labs for an undisclosed sum.

The company is also developing a smart contact lens that measures glucose levels in tears for diabetics and is researching how nanoparticles in blood might help detect diseases. They can also add sensors to the spoons to help medical researchers and providers better understand, measure, and alleviate tremors.

The Liftware spoons come with a rechargeable battery so it is always ready for meal times. Compact and portable, it is also to take along, making it possible for people with essential tremors of Parkinson to eat out in restaurants. Now, only Liftware is available but Lift Labs has said that other attachments will be coming soon to facilitate eating even more. So far 140 Liftware devices have been shared with people with economic hardships through various foundations. To make this project possible, Lift Labs has teamed up with the Tremor Action Network, the National Parkinson Foundation, and the International Essential Tremor Foundation. The device costs $295 each.