Preliminary findings on the everyday use of a robotic aid to eating

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results from a systematic clinical study in which the abilities of 20 children with severe neurological impairments were traced whilst making use of a robotic aid to eating. The study provided the opportunity to assess the medium-term reliability of the device and to evaluate its impact on oral-motor and related functional skills. Results show that all except two children could use the aid, with varying degrees of adult support and documents the preconditions for effective use in rehabilitative or domestic settings. Changes observed in the children's oral-motor skills consequent upon using the device will be evaluated in subsequent reports.