Verily -- the Alphabet spinoff formerly known as Google Life Sciences -- has launched a new smart spoon that recognizes uncontrollable or unsteady hand movements at all times and automatically compensates, enabling people to eat without spilling.

The robotic device, Liftware Level, is the second offering from Liftware, a company devoted to developing tools to aid those with motor impairments that was acquired by Google in 2014. Level is the next step up from Steady, a spoon that stabilized itself for people with hand tremors. Level is more sophisticated and can counteract more erratic hand and arm movements that may be present in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Huntington’s Disease or spinal cord injury, who need assistance with daily tasks.

The electronic handle, which can accommodate a spoon or fork attachment, is held on by a strap and recognizes where the hand is at all times in space. It works to counteract any unwanted movements by bending accordingly, freeing the user to relax, while helping them to retain their independence. After use, the device plugs into a charging port.

[Source: Mobihealth News. 5 December 2016. Heather Mack]