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, the investigators 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 Phase I 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 enhanced 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 of the refined faucet. The Year 1 testing was conducted in a clinical setting. The specific aims of the clinical assessment were to evaluate the 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). Besides the unique water floor technology, the Access-H2O™ faucet system equips hand-free methods for water access and water temperature control:

• Voice control via keyword recognition using Alexa integration
• Motion control using a time-of-flight (ToF) proximity sensor
• Wireless remote control with tactile buttons (newly introduced in Phase II)
• Raised spout (+5 cm) and re-angled water stream for seated face washing and hair rinsing
• Temperature control system using PID logic and a 40°C thermal safety cap There are three control sensors: voice, motion, and remote controls. Voice recognition is enabled through integration with a pre-existing Amazon Alexa device using a custom Alexa Skill. Users activate the system by saying "Alexa" followed by predefined commands (e.g., "Faucet on" or "Turn on Grooming Mode") to control faucet operation, mode selection, and temperature hands-free. Motion detection is implemented using ToF proximity sensors mounted at the base of the faucet to detect hand motion to activate the faucet for water dispensing. A handheld wireless remote control that provides an alternative input method for operating the faucet with maximal flexibility in placement and use. The remote communicates with the faucet via Bluetooth and allows users to activate or deactivate water flow and select among predefined water delivery modes. The remote may be positioned on a nearby surface or affixed using hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing users to locate the control within comfortable reach. On the front of the control, three buttons labeled "F," "W," and "G" correspond to fountain, washing, and grooming, respectively.