Liftware Level Eating Device Helps People with Limited Hand, Arm Mobility

Verily Life Sciences recently launched its newest assistive technology device called Liftware Level, engineered to help people with movement disorders that may make it difficult to keep utensils level while eating, such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, Huntington’s disease, or post-stroke deficits.

Liftware Level uses electronic motion-stabilizing technology to ensure that eating utensils stay level regardless of how the user’s hand and arm may twist, bend, or move.

The technology helps users hold the utensil at the required angle in order to more easily feed themselves. Sensors located inside the handle of Liftware Level track the user’s hand positions at all times and adjust them to accommodate the person’s hand and arm mobility limitations so they can eat with greater confidence and without fear of spills.

“We’ve seen that Liftware Steady, our original product, has helped those suffering from hand tremor relax and enjoy the company of those around them instead of worrying about the task at hand,” Anupam Pathak, creator of Liftware and technical lead at Verily, said in a blog post.

The Liftware Steady consists of a computerized stabilizing handle and a selection of utensil attachments engineered to counteract hand tremor effects, providing an alternative eating assist solution for persons living with movement disorders.

“One of the greatest pleasures in life is being able to enjoy a meal with friends and family — an activity that some may take for granted,” Pathak said in a press release. “Liftware Level is a utensil designed to specifically address mealtime struggles facing individuals with limited mobility or range of motion. Designed and developed with significant input from physicians and potential users, we hope this new device will turn the everyday task of eating into a more pleasurable experience for more people living with movement disorders.”

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), aided by a charitable contribution from Teva Pharmaceuticals, is launching a donation program that will supply free Liftware Level Starter Kits to 1,000 people in need. The kits will go to the first 1,000 individuals who apply through the HDSA website.

“For the estimated 30,000 Americans affected by Huntington’s disease, loss of independence to perform simple daily tasks is devastating,” said Louise Vetter, president and CEO of the HDSA. “We believe that the new Liftware Level device will help many more people be empowered to improve their quality of life and truly enjoy mealtime again.”

The Liftware Level Starter Kit is priced starting at $195 with the leveling handle, a soup spoon attachment, a travel pouch, a hand strap, and a charger.

Liftware Level, which can be purchased through the company’s online store, is available for order now and expected to ship before the holidays. Priced at $195, the Liftware Level Starter Kit includes the handle, a soup spoon attachment, a handy carrying pouch and hand strap, and a battery charger. Shipping is free within the United States. The fork attachment is available separately for an additional $35.

For more information, visit https://www.liftware.com.