Access-H20 Faucet for Spinal Cord Injury

Brief Summary

The Phase I SBIR objective is to design, develop \& demonstrate feasibility of Access-H2OTM, a sensor driven smart faucet to enable and empower independent drinking and grooming for individuals impacted by spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI severely impacts functional independence \& ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Greater function is typically lost with higher, more complete injuries. More specifically, those impacted above C5-C7 have impaired upper extremities, which limits the use of arms and hands for activities such as eating, drinking, and grooming. Functional access to water for these individuals becomes a key to increased independence and successful completion of ADLs. Therefore, commercialization of smart fountain faucets, which can automatically deliver water in target temperature, force, \& nozzle setting for a specific ADL, has the potential to empower individuals with SCI for greater independence \& and improved quality of life. Subjects with SCI and controls were recruited to test the functionality of the faucet which includes eye gaze, voice, and motion sensors to control the water stream for drinking, rinsing, and grooming.