The Mouth Pad, which made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, is a fixture-like touchpad chip that sits on top of the mouth and allows users to scroll through their smartphones with just their tongues. It senses the movement of the tongue and allows users to perform a range of actions, including scrolling, typing, and making phone calls by sliding or tapping their tongues. The original intention of the American Augmental team in developing the tongue-controlled "mouse" is to help people with disabilities use computers and mobile devices through this device. This device can not only accurately control the cursor, click, slide, but also compatible with IOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, through Bluetooth and cell phones and computers directly connected, without the need to install additional software. Unlike our usual wet fingers that are difficult to control when using a cell phone, this control pad can be used without the interference of saliva, using the position and pressure of the tongue to accurately record inputs through machine learning. Furthermore, the MouthPad is designed not to get in the way of articulation; it's about 0.7mm thick, and users can easily verbalize while wearing it, with the device virtually invisible. What does work, in fact, is a small control panel in the center at the top of the mouth. the MouthPad has a 3D-printed, water-resistant dental resin body that houses a microprocessor, battery, Bluetooth module, and a flexible circuit board with integrated pressure sensor. To ensure that the device is comfortable to wear, the MouthPad R&D team also offers a customization service that allows them to scan a customer's dental cavity and customize the molds using the latest 3D printing and electronic packaging technology. There are already some competitors on the market, such as Tecla, which offers different types of switches depending on the user's range of motion. There are also free apps on smartphones, such as Open Sesame, that track a user's head movements rather than the typical touchscreen. Halliwill says MouthPad's appeal is also now exceeding anticipated market expectations. Some people who use their hands a lot, such as mechanics and surgeons, have shown interest in the device. The company has also spoken to astronauts willing to try the device on the International Space Station.
The Augmental team has been developing the model for about two years, reportedly fine-tuning and applying filters so that the device can continue to work even when it gets wet with saliva or other liquids. The product is reportedly expected to hit the market later this year, and the company hopes to develop the technology in the near future, opening up new possibilities for users in the coming months. Some additional features may include voice and wheelchair control. The battery lasts about 5 hours right now, but Augmental hopes to extend it to 8 hours in the next version.
