The MouthPad allows users to interact with phones and computers using their tongue and other head gestures. (Image: Augmental)

WHO

A device developed by MIT engineers allows people living with paralysis to interact with phones and computers using their tongue, mouth, and head gestures.

WHAT

Augmental, a startup founded by Tomás Vega, is deploying technology that lets people with movement impairments seamlessly interact with their personal computational devices. Augmental’s first product is the MouthPad, which allows users to control their computer, smartphone, or tablet through tongue and head movements. The MouthPad’s pressure-sensitive touch pad sits on the roof of the mouth, and, working with a pair of motion sensors, translates tongue and head gestures into cursor scrolling and clicks in real time via Bluetooth. Augmental generates each MouthPad design using a 3D model based on a scan of the user’s mouth. The team then 3D prints the retainer using dental-grade materials and adds the electronic components. With the MouthPad, users can scroll up, down, left, and right by sliding their tongue. They can also right click by doing a sipping gesture and left click by pressing on their palate. For people with less control of their tongue, bites, clenches, and other gestures can be used, and people with more neck control can use head-tracking to move the cursor on their screen.

WHERE

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

WHY

Improving the accessibility of technologies can provide equitable access and enable improved experiences for everyone.

WHEN

People with spinal cord injuries are already using the MouthPad every day to interact with their favorite devices independently. Augmental is hoping to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance over the next year to help users do things like control wheelchairs and robotic arms.

For more information, contact Abby Abazorius at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; 617-253-2709.

Topics:
Health Monitors and Activity Trackers Wearables

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