A group of Turkish students have developed a device they hope will one day help people suffering uncontrollable shaking due to neurological conditions.
The pupils have developed a handle that cancels the effects of hand tremors experienced by people with conditions such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and stabilizes cutlery.
İbrahim Yay, 17, who studies at the Anadolu Vocational and Technical High School in Kastamonu, northern Turkey, thought of developing the device to help his uncle who suffers from multiple sclerosis.
With his friend Harun İstenci, 18, he designed a prototype handle that can be fitted to the head of a spoon or fork.
"One of my relatives had trouble using a spoon so we developed this project for him," Yay told Anadolu Agency.
A sensor inside the device is connected to two motors that keeps the cutlery level and stable regardless of external disruption. The outer body of the handle was made on a 3D printer.
Yay said he and İstenci hoped to improve the design to make it smaller and more ergonomic.
"We will reduce the size of the engine and make a fine design," he said.
School Principal Orhan Özin congratulated Yay and İstenci. Their design has been listed for the Fatih Project's Future Education Contribution Awards.
