meet mouthpad^, a mouthpiece with trackpad that fully controls devices using tongue

mouthpad^ Aids individuals with hand impairments

A mouthpiece that can control electronic devices using Bluetooth may have sounded like a dream, but for MIT Media Lab spinoff Augmental, it is a reality. The innovative hardware startup has developed and launched MouthPad^, a wearable mouth device that enables users to fully reign over their gadgets by sweeping their tongue across the installed trackpad chip. Tongue presses for left clicks, sip gestures for right clicks, and wearable technology for a fun invention. Augmental considers MouthPad^ as the ‘11th finger.’

The mouthpiece analyzes the user’s tongue position and movement through a machine-learning algorithm inside its processor and converts the data into cursor commands, sent to the electronic devices over Bluetooth. Such actions allow users to send an email, turn on the lights, edit a photo, and even play a video game using their tongues. Augmental assures users too that the slim design of the mouthpiece can minimize the impact on speech, making it still easy for users to communicate verbally while wearing the device.

images courtesy of Augmental

Custom-fit, 3D-printed mouthpiece

Augmental says that MouthPad^ is custom-fit to suit the user’s mouthpiece size. Through oral scanning, the process generates a 3D model of the mouth and with this model, a custom device is designed and printed with dental resin. The outcome aims to perfectly fit the individual’s mouth and encapsulate a flexible circuit board with sensors, a processing unit, and a Bluetooth radio, all sealed in a watertight casing to protect the electronics from saliva.

The tech team states that this ‘wet touchpad’ is smart enough to withstand issues that may be caused by saliva and other liquids, especially with the wires and installed equipment. Augmental adds that there is no need to install any extra software as MouthPad^ can connect straight out of the box with most standard operating systems. When not in use, users can place it back to its case which doubles as its charging box.

the mouthpiece analyzes the user’s tongue position and movement through a machine-learning algorithm

The tech team shared that devices offering degrees of hands-free access through digital means are increasing, and with the entrance of MouthPad^, Augmental designs a computer mouse with the goal of making it more universally inclusive, particularly to individuals with hand impairments.

‘As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, and the world expands from the physical to the digital, it’s more important than ever to ensure that everyone has equal access to control inputs and new interfaces,’ says Tomás Vega, Co-Founder and engineer at Augmental. ‘Interactions with these systems must be designed to cater to how humans perceive, process, and act.’

the mouthpiece can allow users to send an email, turn on the lights, and even play a video game using their tongues

Augmental expands digital access for everyone

Corten Singer, Co-Founder and engineer at Augmental, agrees with Vega and mentions that by creating a universal design for MouthPad^, it paves the way to greatly expand digital access for everyone, not just those lacking mobility. ‘In exploring hands-busy scenarios and contexts in which users have limited hand control, we have developed an in-mouth platform that enables convenient device interaction today, while also setting the stage for a future of more human and less distracting heads-up displays. Our technology should meet us where we are — not the other way around,’ he says.

Augmental has run some tests and found out that its mouthpiece addressed relevant needs for people with quadriplegia and limited hand control. From here, the device may also support those in ‘hands-busy’ scenarios such as surgeons, gamers, astronauts, lab technicians, and factory-line workers.‘In future device versions, we plan to support more sophisticated gestures, such as head motion and bite-based input, to expand our dimensions of control,’ says Augmental. As of publishing the story, MouthPad^ Beta Package is available in the US, and residents may join the startup’s early waitlist.

Augmental assures users that the slim design of the mouthpiece can minimize the impact on speech