Robotic assistance in activities of daily living exemplified by food intake

Abstract

Carrying out activities of daily living (ADL, also called basic activities) is limited or even no longer possible due to functional limitations and functional losses associated with aging, (chronic) illness and disabilities. Nowadays, there are a variety of assistive technologies/devices and even robotic products. The aim of this article is to give an exemplary overview of the existing products for the basic activity of food intake for people with tetraplegia caused by accidents or neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The dissemination and implementation of these products seems to be relatively low in Germany. Inhibiting and promoting factors for the dissemination and utilization are discussed.