Access-H20: Sensor-driven Smart Faucet to Enable and Empower Independent Drinking and Grooming for Individuals Impacted by Spinal Cord Injury

Conventionally, a bathroom faucet includes a hot and cold-water knob used to control flow of water through the faucet, which is utilized for hand washing, face washing, rinsing after brushing, etc. However, existing faucets are inconvenient to use for purposes other than conventional hand washing, unhygienic, and result in wasting large amounts of water. Existing faucets make it difficult for individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) to carry out basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as drinking, rinsing their mouths, and washing their faces.

To address these challenges, Nasoni Inc. develop the new faucet, Access H2OTM faucet, to address these challenges. During the Phase I study from 2022-2023, we achieved the following objectives: 1) Successfully designing and producing a prototype of the Access H2O faucet that met input specifications in bench testing, and 2) Developing control algorithms using sensor-based inputs successfully allowed both control and SCI subjects to accurately access desired water. The clinical feasibility study showed that the faucet could improve water access for SCI subjects and improve their ADLs. SCI subjects showed a strong preference for Access-H2O faucets compared to traditional methods.

Before proceeding with commercialization, it is necessary to optimize the operational functions of the prototype. In the Phase II study, the engineering team has planned to enhance the prototype's faucet form factor design and sensors based on the findings from the Phase I study. These enhancements include: 1) optimizing the form factor and nozzle water delivery, 2) refining the sensor & display components, and 3) expanding sensor integration capabilities. Also, the team has improved the water control mechanisms established in Phase I by integrating Access-H2O faucet intelligent algorithms and developing a supporting digital platform with a mobile app to support product efficacy, usability, and field maintenance.

Specifically, Phase II evaluates improvements in faucet form factor, sensor placement, manufacturing-ready hardware, and interaction modalities, all informed by Phase I user feedback and clinical observations. Accordingly, the objective of this Phase II study is to assess system refinements that impact real-world independence and usability beyond initial feasibility. The Phase II study comprises two sets of studies conducted in Year 1 and Year 2 separately. They were labelled as the Year 1 testing study and the Year 2 testing study.

The Year 1 testing was conducted in a clinical setting. The specific aims of the feasibility assessment were to evaluate the feasibility and usability of the refined Access-H2O™ faucet system-controlled via voice commands, hand motion, and a wireless remote-to drink water (drinking), rinse the face (grooming), or wash hair (washing; optional).