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Ambit Open Source Assistive Eating System 

Ambit is an open source assistive eating system. Similar to the Obi, but made from less than $500 in parts, this electro-mechanical/robotic system accommodates both a spoon/bowl and fork/plate and is activated by the push of a large button. This system has proven helpful for children with arthrogryposis and other hand/limb differences to achieve more independence with eating - and less demand on parents and caregivers. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.


Demonstration of the Ambit with a Fork and Plate. The plate is divided into eight sections where small portions of food can be placed. Once the fork removes a portion, the plate is spun to the next position. 


Demonstration of the Ambit with a Spoon and Bowl. The bowl is spun as the spoon dips and the spoon is kept level as it lifts from bowl to mouth. Should any food remain on the spoon after serving (eating), the spoon tilts to dump its contents prior to scoopping more food.



Illustrated diagram of the system.


This system was orginally developed as an adapted KeeKaRoo Height Right™ high chair and designed to assist a little girl named Kahlani to eat independently. Born without arms, self-feeding is difficult for her. The device is designed for her to press a large button with her foot which activates a robotic arm that moves food from a bowl to her mouth. The bowl spins a little on each dip of the spoon to ensure most of the food in the bowl is reached by the spoon. In addition to autonomous eating, this device contributes to the development of fine motor skills in her toes and feet. This device is highly adaptable to many type of chairs, tabletops and habitas.


Demonstration of the original device as part of a high chair. Note that the device is activated by a pushbutton mounted below the eating platform so it may be foot-activated.

This device has been developed with the assistance of many people, including Eric Tommer and Abby Phillips. Please contact me if you would like more information or to participate in a trial of the device.

Open Source Build Instructions

Please contact me if you are interested in constructing your own version of this device. I have the instructions fairly well documented. Below are examples of the documents I have available. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.