Kickstarter Tech Project of the Week: Hapifork

Project Name: Hapifork: eat slowly, feel better
Category: Technology
Goal: $100,000
Currently Funded: $106,208
Deadline for pledging: June 1, 2013

When the waiter places a steaming bowl of fettuccini alfredo before you and your mouth starts to moisten, pacing yourself is the last thing on your mind. Unless you're chowing down with a Hapifork, that is, voted by PCMag as the best gadget of CES 2013.

The washable smart fork is slightly bigger than your usual utensil and uses sensors to record how many bites you take and how quickly you take them. If you shovel in more than a bite every 10 seconds, the fork gently vibrates, reminding you to slow down. It syncs with an online dashboard and accompanying Android or iOS app, allowing you to monitor your eating habits.

It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full, founding company Hapilabs explains, so eating more slowly helps prevent overconsumption and the associated weight gain. It can also resolve digestive problems and ease postoperative complications, according to the company.

Hapilabs initially developed the device for clinical and medical purposes. Now it's seeking Kickstarter funding to bring it to consumers in an attempt to promote more mindful eating in the face of America's—and the world's—obesity epidemic.

Hapifork (available in pink, green, and blue) will retail for $99, but early bird backers can get theirs for $89 with a September delivery date. Planning a romantic dinner for two? Pledge $175 or more and unlock the Hapi Couples reward—that's one fork for you and one for your partner.