Google acquires smart spoon maker Lift Labs (video)

 September 11, 2014 - 14:59 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Google has acquired Lift Labs, the maker of a smart spoon which combats tremors suffered by those with Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The tech giant revealed the purchase on Wednesday, Sept 10. In a blog post, Google said Lift Labs will join the firm's research arm, ZDNet reports.

San Francisco-based Lift Labs is the developer of smart eating equipment laden with sensors which detect tremors in the hand and compensate accordingly. The creators of the product, which comes with multiple attachments including a spoon, fork, and deep soup spoon, say these sensors then relay tremor data to make the equipment stabilize itself in response.

For those suffering with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, or other afflictions which cause bodily tremors, such equipment can take the frustration out of what should be an enjoyable activity.

The $295 Liftware system will remain on sale despite Google's acquisition, and the team say that the buyout will help Lift Labs expand its operations, according to ZDNet.

"Their tremor-canceling device could improve quality of life for millions of people," Google said. "We're also going to explore how their technology could be used in other ways to improve the understanding and management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor."

Financial details were not disclosed.