Hygia Robotics

In Canada, approximately 2.7 million individuals aged 15 and older, representing 9.6% of the population, live with mobility disabilities, many of which involve upper limb impairments. This significant segment faces daily challenges in performing essential tasks, with eating being one of the most personal and impactful. The inability to eat independently diminishes personal dignity and places a substantial burden on caregivers, nearly two-thirds of whom are employed part-time and provide an average of 4.5 hours of care daily, a commitment that can feel like another full-time job. Current assistive feeding devices are often limited in functionality, lack customization, and fail to adapt to diverse user needs, creating a critical gap in the market that leads to caregiver burnout, financial strain, and a decline in the overall quality of care.