Why Choose the Neater Eater Robotic?

The Neater Eater Robotic (NER) is designed to be exceptionally easy to set up and use, while offering a comprehensive range of facilities to support individuals with diverse abilities and needs. The NER  is the most advanced and adaptable eating system available, whilst being intuative and ready to use out of the box. It combines a simple "plug-and-go" setup with a comprehensive range of optional facilities that can be deeply customised to support diverse abilities and evolving needs.

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Compact, Portable, and Stability-Weighted

The NER is designed for independence both at home and on the move:

• Compact Footprint: The NER features a space-saving design that takes up minimal table space, making it ideal for small cafe tables, restaurant dining, or bedside trays.

• Lightweight Design: Weighing under 5kg, the system is robust enough for clinical stability but light enough for travel. It comes with a custom backpack, allowing it to be taken to friends’ houses, restaurants, and even on holidays or cruises.

• All-Day Battery: A high-capacity battery provides more than enough power for a full day of independent eating without needing a mains connection, meaning the NER can go out and about!

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Intuitive setup and Friendly Interface

While highly advanced, the NER is designed to be accessible from the very first minute:

• Plug-and-Go Functionality: Simple to power up and begin using immediately.

• Guided Setup Videos: A clear touchscreen interface features easy-to-follow video guides and voice hints that walk the user through every step of the setup process.

• Customised Voice Prompts: For a personal touch, the robot can be recorded to speak using the voice of a friend, relative, or carer, providing familiar and comforting guidance.

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Plate and Crockery Options

The NER features a wide range of dinnerware developed to optimise mealtimes and maintain a natural dining experience:

• 6 Different Plate Options: Includes Large and Small ceramic plates, Plastic (blue and white), Heated ceramic, Soup bowls, and Partitioned ceramic plates.

• Aesthetic Design: Our ceramic plates are designed to look like high quality standard tableware, providing a discreet and dignified dining experience.

• Dishwasher & Microwave Safe: The full range of crockery is designed for easy cleaning and convenient food preparation.

• 7 Spoon Varieties: A selection of seven spoons is available, each optimised for scooping food. The system can even be custom-mounted to fit a user’s own preferred spoon.

• Fork/Spork Compatibility: The robot can mount forks and features a specific "Spork" option for stabbing solid foods.

• Specialty Holders: An optional Sandwich and Snack Holder allows for independent eating of finger foods.

 

Control and User Interaction

The NER offers unparalleled flexibility in how it is controlled, ensuring a perfect fit for every user's requirements and preference:

• Multiple Control Methods, operation via:

  • Touch-screen tablet,

  • External switches which can be placed anywhere that suits the user, including at foot, elbow, head

  • Built-in, customisable voice control.

• Friendly Touchscreen Interface: A clear interface guides the user through setup with helpful videos and voice hints. These are fully customisable; for example, the robot can be programmed to speak using voice recordings from a friend, relative, or carer.

• Customisable Voice Recognition: Users can operate the robot using standard commands or create entirely bespoke voice triggers tailored to their unique vocal patterns or preferred phrases.

• Advanced Switch Modes: To give users more control, the robot features enhanced button modes for single, double, or triple switch setups.

• Wireless Connectivity: We provide a range of wireless buttons and support for Bluetooth mice, joysticks, Rnet linkage, and eye-gaze control systems.

• User Profiles: Stores up to five different sets of feature choices for different users or varying meal situations.

• Visual and Audio Feedback: Features a touch screen for visual guidance and customisable audio feedback (which can be customised and re-recorded) to assist users with visual impairments.

 

Intelligent Eating and Scooping Features

These features can be used as needed during a meal or enabled to run automatically:

• Mouth Position Learning: Offers "Learn by Hand" (physically moving the arm) or "Learn by Switch" (using on-screen buttons) to set the precise feeding position.

• Spoon Wipe: Automatically wipes drips from the underside of the spoon against the plate edge after every cycle.

• Plate Scrape: A specialised mode where the plate rotates continuously while the spoon scrapes to gather the final portions of the meal.

• Plate Jiggle: The plate jiggles slightly during scooping to help knock off excess or sticky food.

• Scoop Less Food: Uses four different scooping actions (instead of the standard two) to handle sticky items or prevent gathering too much food.

• Partitioned Plate Intelligence: Automatically detects partition positions and can be set to turn to the next section between each scoop.

• Sauce Dip: Specifically for partitioned plates, allowing for a designated centre space for dipping.

 

Hardware and Safety Specifications

• Arm Reach: The robotic arm has a reach of over 40cm.

• Impact Sensor: A built-in sensor stops the arm if it detects a hit or obstacle on its way to the user's mouth.

• Anti-Tremor Feature: Includes an adjustable button delay to prevent accidental pausing or restarting during a scooping cycle.

• Adjustable Wait Times: Users can customize the time the spoon waits at the mouth (1-99 seconds) and the delay between scoops.

• Status Monitoring: Detailed reports on battery health and system settings allow for proactive maintenance.

• Therapeutic Insights: The optional "Direct-to-Clinician" feature allows the robot to securely email usage reports as .csv files. This enables therapists to monitor progress and tailor the system settings remotely for the best possible user outcomes.

 

Support & Service from Neater Solutions

Neater Solutions provides a high level of technical support to ensure the equipment works perfectly for each individual:

• Free Home Assessments & Trials (UK):

  • One free home assessment or postal trial is offered to every UK client to test the equipment in a real-life setting.

  • Postal trials typically last 5 days and include secure delivery and collection.

• Remote Technical Support & Resources:

  • Free technical support is available via email, telephone, or video call.

  • A full library of setup videos and instruction manuals is built directly into the tablet and available on the website.

• Long-term Maintenance:

  • 3-Year Warranty: Included as standard on all new main equipment.

  • Repairs: Repairs can be arranged for up to 10 years from the date of purchase.

  • Refurbishment Programme: For devices up to 7 years old, a full refurbishment is available to bring the unit up to current standards (includes a 2-year warranty).

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The Difference Between Neater Eater Manual (NEM) and Neater Eater Robotic (NER)

While both devices enhance independence, the NEM and NER serve different functional needs. The NER (Neater Eater Robotic) is a fully automated assistive eating aid—currently the most advanced and compact of its kind. It is designed for users with very limited limb movement who can swallow safely, such as those living with MND (ALS), advanced Parkinson’s, or Quadriplegia.

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In contrast, the NEM (Neater Eater Manual) is a mechanical aid designed for individuals who have some arm movement but struggle with tremors or ataxia. Its modular, fluid-dampened system smooths out jerky movements, making it a versatile solution for conditions ranging from Cerebral Palsy to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

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