A groundbreaking hands-free technology, known as MouthPad is set to innovate touchscreen interactions by enabling users to control smartphones using only their tongues.

Revealed at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2024) in Las Vegas, MouthPad is a retainer-like trackpad chip affixed to the roof of the mouth, capable of detecting tongue movements. Described as a "mouse for your mouth" by Corbin Halliwill, a software engineer at Augmental, the tech company behind MouthPad, the device allows users to scroll, type, make calls, and engage in activities like playing chess, all through tongue gestures, according to NBC News.

Pushing The Boundaries of Tech for Physically Challenged Users

Designed primarily as an assistive tool for individuals with hand impairments or paralysis, MouthPad seamlessly connects to tablets, phones, or computers via Bluetooth. The idea originated from the challenges faced by paralyzed friends and family members in finding suitable technology, often proving bulky or lacking portability.

Augmental's founders-Halliwill, Corten Singer, and Tomás, Aimed to address these issues, resulting in the development of the device. "We believe people deserve universal digital access to the devices that have become so ingrained in our daily lives. That's why we're committed to pushing the boundaries of how we interact with technology by building intuitive products that empower everyone to unleash their creativity," the company stated on its website.

The company also noted that MouthPad could serve as a platform for "continuous health monitoring" in the future. "It could measure biosignals that no other device can, and provide real-time, closed-loop drug delivery for precision medicine."

Crafted for minimal interference with a user's speech, MouthPad is designed to ensure effective communication with those in the vicinity, holding particular significance for users relying on speech for daily interactions, per Futurism. This feature is also beneficial for individuals using supplementary voice recognition software in their daily lives.

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Setting itself apart from competitors, MouthPad has garnered interest from professionals in hands-on fields such as mechanics or surgeons, expanding its appeal beyond the original target market. Even astronauts have expressed curiosity about testing MouthPad^ in the unique conditions of the International Space Station.

Despite the prevalence of voice commands in many consumer electronics, the lack of a means to interact with a traditional mouse and keyboard can impede efficient computer work. Addressing this gap, MouthPad^ aims to provide a solution with a 5-hour battery life on a single charge and compatibility with iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, according to PCMag.

Further Improvements Before Official Launch

A notable challenge remains to achieve a universal fit for diverse mouth shapes, with the company currently creating personalized molds for customers through a kit designed for taking dental impressions. Augmental emphasizes, "With your dental scan, we'll manufacture your custom MouthPad, ensuring maximum comfort and reduced weight."

Augmental initially introduced the MouthPad concept in April, highlighting its potential to assist individuals dealing with quadriplegia in accessing their devices. The tech firm has refined the working prototype for approximately two years, focusing on control precision and implementing filters for functionality in the presence of saliva or water. With an expected market release later this year, Augmental offers early access to the MouthPad^ via its website.

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