Google buys startup Lift Labs to expand disease research
Bloomberg News
Google Inc. is acquiring health- technology startup Lift Labs to add to its Google X research unit, as the company pursues new methods to address neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.
Terms weren't disclosed. San Francisco-based Lift Labs sells a handheld stabilizing device, with attachments such as a fork, spoon or keyholder, to help people who suffer from tremors eat and unlock doors, according to the company's website. The technology, called Liftware, uses sensors to detect tremors and responds quickly to keep the device from shaking too much.
"Their tremor-canceling device could improve quality of life for millions of people," Google said in a statement on its website. "We're also going to explore how their technology could be used in other ways to improve the understanding and management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor."
Mountain View, California-based Google has been investing in its X research lab, seeking to develop fresh technology that tackles hardware designs for longer-term projects. Already, the company has invested in at least one health-related effort, with sensor-enhanced contact lenses that aim to help people with diabetes more easily track their glucose levels.
"We're joining Google X and will continue to make and sell our Liftware stabilizers," Lift Labs said on its website. "We're especially excited to work with the Google team to scale our operations and reach even more people who could benefit from using tremor-canceling devices."
Lift Labs developed its devices with help from a grant from the National Institutes of Health, the company said on its blog.