Augmental controls computers, tablets and phones with tongue movements MouthPad launched its device for general sale in the United States. The product, placed on the palate, converts tongue movements into commands such as cursor control, clicking, scrolling and dragging. $1,400 The device, which is sold at a price, aims to enable people with limited hand and arm movements to use digital products more independently. However, MouthPad also offers a different control option to professionals and gamers who use their hands for other tasks.
MouthPad comes as a custom-made wearable technology product that resembles a transparent dental plaque that fits on the upper teeth. Before production, Augmental scans the user’s teeth three-dimensionally and embeds the electronic parts in dental resin. Mouth scan approx. 100 dollars The company plans to ship orders within six months. However, Augmental only sells the product in the USA for now and does not share an exact date for different countries.
There is a pressure-sensitive touch surface on the part of the device that touches the palate. When you move your tongue over this surface, the cursor on the screen moves in the same direction. You can click by pressing on the surface, command a right click with a suction motion, and drag objects. In addition, internal motion sensors detect head movements and share different commands between the tongue and the head.
MouthPad connects to a computer, tablet or phone via Bluetooth like a standard wireless mouse. Therefore, it does not need a special receiver or complex driver. While the product works with Windows, macOS and iOS, it also benefits from basic Bluetooth mouse support on Android. On the other hand, the special application options offered for Android do not seem to be as wide as on other platforms.
MouthPad increases accessibility with tongue gestures
MouthPad is centered around users with spinal cord injuries, tetraplegia, or other motor limitations. In the user experiences reported by MIT, students write math formulas with the device, take lecture notes and play games with their friends. In addition, the silent system offers an important option in classrooms, libraries and shared work areas where voice commands cannot be used. In fact, the in-mouth design provides less visible use than camera-based eye tracking systems and breath-controlled tubes.
Augmental takes advantage of the sensitive movement ability of the tongue and its muscle group that can work for a long time. That’s why the company focuses on a non-invasive control method instead of brain implants that require surgery. Device approx. 7 hour battery life Full charging takes approximately 90 minutes. Package containing two MouthPads for those who want uninterrupted use for $1,900 is sold and while one of the devices is charging, the other continues to work.
Players can use the MouthPad as an additional control tool for camera movements, aiming, or certain shortcuts. Early access users include RockyNoHands, who plays the games with mouth-controlled hardware. However, the device works with the on-screen keyboard, voice typing or other accessibility tools for long text entries. Therefore, MouthPad complements methods such as eye tracking and voice control rather than replacing the classic mouse and keyboard alone.
Price is one of the main obstacles to MouthPad reaching a wider user base. $1,400 Oral screening and possible dentist fees are also added to the product price. Augmental also does not describe the MouthPad as a medical device and states that it is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. The product is offered directly to the consumer, with personalized production, regular cleaning and mouth impression taking.
Join Channel