NATIONAL SEATING & MOBILITY PARTNERS WITH DESῙN AS NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF OBI™ ROBOTIC DINING DEVICE
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 24, 2018) — Complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) and mobility solutions leader, National Seating & Mobility (NSM) is partnering with assistive technology developer DESĪN, LLC on the national distribution of Obi™, the first robotic dining device of its kind. The partnership makes the revolutionary device more easily available to clients nationwide, including those for whom the device is covered by insurance.
Obi™ is the first teachable robotic dining assistant developed for individuals living with conditions affecting the upper extremities and often relying on a caregiver. The machine merges cutting edge robotics, intuitive controls and elegant design to create a more empowering, traditional and dignified dining experience for users of all ages. The product is ideal for individuals living with ALS, amputation, arthritis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, neuromuscular conditions, Parkinson’s disease, a spinal cord injury, and stroke.
“We are excited to partner with DESĪN on the national distribution of Obi,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “This product showcases the powerful impact technology can bring to our industry. We are pleased to add Obi to the list of assistive technology solutions available for our clients.”
Obi™ fits within the size of a dinner placemat. Its key functionality is a robotic arm that can select food from four compartments and deliver it so the diner may eat from a spoon. Supplied by a rechargeable battery, the device holds enough energy to serve six to ten meals on a single charge. It operates quietly and can be easily transported, comparable to a laptop computer.
Obi™ has been awarded ten patents to date, covering a variety of innovations and capabilities. The product was designed and is manufactured in the United States, is FDA compliant and certified by Underwriters Laboratories. The device was selected as a gold winner in the Rehabilitation and Assistive-Technology Products Category at the 20th annual Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) competition in June and was a winner in the Mechanical/Materials category in the 54th annual R&D 100 Awards celebrating the 100 most technologically significant breakthroughs introduced into the marketplace in 2016.
“The partnership with NSM is a game changer in our mission to make Obi more easily available nationwide,” said Jon Dekar, inventor and DESĪN co-founder. “We are thrilled to partner with NSM to fulfill our belief that everyone deserves access to an independent, empowering dining experience.”
Additional information about Obi™ may be found at www.nsm-seating.com and at www.meetobi.com.
About National Seating Mobility
National Seating & Mobility is the nation’s premier Complex Rehab Technology Solutions provider, partnering with physicians, therapists and clients across the U.S. to design customized innovative mobility, rehabilitation and adaptive product solutions for individuals with disabilities. Founded in 1992, the company has grown from five locations to a national network of professional Assistive Technology Providers (ATPs). National Seating & Mobility has earned the highest professional accreditation from the independent, not-for-profit, The Joint Commission. As preeminent accrediting body for U.S. healthcare organizations, The Joint Commission maintains unrivaled industry standards. For more information visit nsm-seating.com.
About DESĪN, LLC
Founded in 2010, DESĪN, LLC is the designer and developer of Obi™, a robotic feeding device for individuals who have difficulty feeding themselves. DESĪN’s mission is to provide magical moments that inspire people into a realm of new possibility.