Automatic Chopsticks

This is my innovative version of William Osman’s automatic chopsticks.

I was inspired to make this piece after watching a hilarious video by the comical Youtuber and engineer William Osman. William Osman came up with the idea after taking a trip to Tokyo, Japan. In Japan, he realized that he could barely use chopsticks. After returning to the US, instead of learning how to use a pair properly, he created an intriguing pair of chopsticks that automatically pick up food. When I realized that these chopsticks could have the potential to be super helpful for those with special needs and fine-motor skill issues, I decided to make a pair hoping that I can one day make a design good enough to help them.

These chopsticks are a symbol of my significant step forward in terms of my engineering abilities. The first thing I ever wanted to innovate were these chopsticks. However, when I first attempted to make the chopsticks almost a year ago, I had little to no experience designing, coding, or 3D printing. I was very frustrated. However, that frustration led me to try other projects, like the GearCube and the Bird Booster. Throughout the time it took to make those inventions, I learned the skills necessary to create these automatic chopsticks. I believe that the combination of education and experience is an incredible way to improve in a subject. That’s why I plan to study mechanical engineering and computer science in college. With more life experience and an excellent education, I hope to advance as an inventor, consequently allowing me to use my gifts to help others on a grander scale.