The Obi Dining Robot is the first dining robot of its kind and there is a special story behind its creation. The first Obi prototype was developed in 2006 by Jon Dekar, a University of Dayton engineering student who saw the challenges faced by people with disabilities, including his own grandfather who was diagnosed with a degenerative neuromuscular condition. Jon saw first hand how hard it was for his grandfather to eat independently, which led Jon to research what technology was available to help people to eat, who did not have full use of their upper extremities. Jon recognised there was an opportunity to “do something good for humanity” and after years of research, design, prototypes and testing, the first Obi was released in 2016.
A touching design feature of Obi is the way it gracefully greets the diner when it is first switched on. The name “Obi” is derived from the word “obeisance” which is a term for a gesture of respect or deference, such as a bow or curtsy. In recognition of this, the Obi device fluidly “bows” to the diner when turned on. What a wonderful way to begin a meal.
Find out more about the Obi story here.
Shop online for Obi here.