[L’industrie c’est fou] An oral appliance to surf the web with your tongue

2023-04-21 05:30:00

If the object above brings back bad memories, rest assured, it has nothing to do with one of those dental gutters that have traumatized several generations of teenagers undergoing orthodontic treatment. Unlike them, it won’t give you a beautiful smile, but it will surely prove just as useful. Named Mouthpad^, the device is actually a concentrate of technology. Developed by the American company Augmental, it allows you to control your computer, phone or tablet thanks to the movements and pressure of your tongue. A valuable option for people who have difficulty or are unable to use their hands.

The device includes a touchpad placed at the level of the palate which detects the slightest movement of the tongue. This organ was not chosen by chance: thanks to its 17 muscles, it is one of the most powerful in the human body. Its great flexibility allows you to control the cursor and perform right and left clicks. Mouthpad^ is made of KeySplint Soft, a resin commonly used in oral appliances, and powered by a five-hour battery that charges to 100% in two hours. A waterproof case isolates the electronics from the user’s saliva. Its manufacture is made to measure and it is now possible to register on a waiting list to receive the device.

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Useful, even for able-bodied people

“While the MouthPad^ has been shown to meet the needs of people with quadriplegia and limited hand control, its reach extends beyond these cases,” Augmental says. Indeed, the company explains that its innovation could help people with busy hands (surgeons, laboratory technicians, astronauts, video game players, etc.) to improve their performance and productivity.

The company also indicates that in the next versions of the Mouthpad^, it plans to take into account more technical gestures such as head movements or biting to enrich the control of electronic devices. Finally, those who have a good tongue can rest assured, according to Augmental, it is possible to talk while wearing the Mouthpad^!