Google's high-tech spoon

[reflection]

http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/09/11/lift_labs_spoon_google_x_buys_health_startup_to_help_with_parkinson_s_tremors.html

Google has taken a break from buying robots, drones, and artificial-intelligence companies to acquire Lift Labs, a small startup that makes spoons.

As you can see in the video below, Lift's spoons are not your ordinary flatware. They’re designed for people whose hands shake, whether from essential tremor or a neurodegenerative disorder such as Parkinson’s. Embedded in their oversized handles is an electronic system that senses the tremors and responds with counter-movements designed to keep the spoons’ business ends relatively stable. The handle moves, but the business end stays relatively stable, so the food doesn't fall off on its way to your mouth.

The Lift Labs spoon costs $295 and you can buy it here. The company is also working on soup spoon, fork, and key holder versions.

Very interesting idea, and not too complicated. Wish I'd thought of it.

[enlightenment]

1. That is a fantastic device.

I hope that Google's larger scale means they can bring the cost down a bit.