There are a lot of cultures where sharing food is its own very savory love language. It’s more than just sustenance but a way to connect with family members, friends, and even make new acquaintances. The act of sharing a meal is one indication that we’re human and strengthens the bonds we may or may not already have. However, as people get older, mobility becomes limited and so this aspect of sharing is lessened which eventually leads to a diminished sense of community.
Designer: Junho Han
Amity is a concept for a “relationship-assisted mobile refrigerator” designed to empower individuals, especially seniors, to share meals and maintain vital social ties, regardless of physical limitations. It understands that sharing food is about more than exchanging calories; it’s about giving and receiving warmth, fostering a sense of belonging, and maintaining meaningful relationships. As seniors age and face mobility challenges, the simple act of preparing and delivering a meal to a neighbor can become insurmountable. The idea is for it to deliver food to another person through a robot-like device, therefore fostering the sense of belonging that sharing food brings. It is able to deliver human-cooked meals on behalf of these not so mobile individuals so they can share the joy of food and connection even though they may have some physical constraints.
For seniors with limited mobility, Amity offers a lifeline, allowing them to participate in the cherished tradition of sharing meals and building relationships. The platform facilitates intergenerational connections, enabling younger generations to share homemade meals with their elders, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. This mobile refrigerator makes sure that the food is fresh and also safe during its transport. The lidar sensors makes sure that the food is stable and prevents spills to make sure that the meals arrive intact. It also is able to adjust its height automatically for easy access so that it can accommodate various statures and mobility limitations. It also has a two-way opening so you can access heavy food items easily. In case there’s an unexpected situation, it has an emergency stop button.
The sender can also include personal messages through the device fostering that much needed connection that the robot can bring. Amity represents a paradigm shift in how we approach food delivery and social connection. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design and technology to address social isolation and empower individuals to maintain meaningful relationships. By facilitating the sharing of meals and human connection, Amity is not just delivering food; it’s delivering warmth, community, and a renewed sense of belonging.
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