U.S. startup Augmental recently launched MouthPad, a $1,400 “barrier-free braces” device that allows people with mobility impairments to operate electronic devices directly through their tongues. Interestingly, co-founder Tomas Vega actually built a prototype as early as 2019 when he was in his last semester at MIT. At that time, he described the invention as like a “lollipop filled with sensors.”
In fact, similar auxiliary devices have existed in the gaming field for many years. For example, quadriplegic streamer RockyNoHands has proven that with the help of this type of equipment, he can compete with other players in competitive games such as Call of Duty. As for the second-generation notebook recently launched by Augmental, it has more refined quality and functions.
This MouthPad has a lightweight 7.5 grams, can connect to mobile phones, tablets or computers via Bluetooth, and has a battery life of up to 7 hours on a single charge.
In a demonstration video, Augmental showed how users can use their tongue to press the touchpad on the roof of their mouth, while using head tilting and sucking movements to complete subtle operations such as “clicking” and “draging.” They can even use Google Maps to navigate, edit videos, and play games such as “Mario Kart” and “The Final Hour.” In addition, the new version also adds WASD button configurations, allowing players to control PC games more naturally.
In addition, under testing by disabled screen analyst Tomas Baptista, the accuracy of MouthPad cursor control reached an information transmission speed of 10.47 bits per second. According to Augmental officials, this achievement is equivalent to the control efficiency of implanted brain-computer interfaces currently on the market, but does not require brain surgery, nor does it need to bear the high cost and risk of implantation.
As for the device itself, Augmental emphasizes that each set of MouthPads will be customized based on the user’s own 3D tooth scan and printed with medical-grade dental resin. Therefore, in addition to the $1,400 price of the device itself, buyers also have to bear the cost of an oral scan of $100, and the delivery time is half a year.
On the other hand, Augmental also launched a $200 wearable microphone “VOX”. This product can recognize whispers by detecting skin vibrations, and can complete voice input even if it makes almost no sound. If paired with MouthPad, it can form the most complete barrier-free computer operation solution.
Source: KOCPC Chinese