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Steady Hand
This vibrating pen makes writing easier for those with Parkinson's disease
The pen uses vibrations to stimulate muscles in the hand, making it easier to move the pen and write smoothly.
A BRITISH DESIGN company has developed a pen that makes it easier for people with Parkinson’s disease to write clearly.
Dopa Solution has created a pen called ARC designed to help those suffering from a common symptom of Parkinson’s called micrographia, a process that causes writing to become smaller and more cramped until it’s illegible.
By using high-frequency vibration motors placed inside the pen, it stimulates the key muscles in the hand and reduces the effort required to move the pen, allowing for clearer and larger writing.
The pen was tested with fourteen people who experienced micrographia, and found that their writing improved in 86% of cases.
In an interview with WIRED, its product designer Lucy Jung said it’s looking at applying the same principles to other products such as make-up tools, and computer mice.
Another similar device was released by Google X late last year. Instead of a pen, it released a smart spoon that senses how a hand is shaking and makes adjustments to stay balanced.
The device was originally developed by Lift Lab, which Google acquired last year, and according to the company, it’s able to reduce shaking of the spoon bowl by an average of 76%.
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