The demand for innovative, accessible technology has been on the rise, and Augmental, an MIT Media Lab spinoff, is aiming to meet this demand with their latest product, the MouthPad^. This tongue-based trackpad device, resembling a smart retainer, offers hands-free control, empowering individuals with mobility challenges to interact with the digital world. Released in June 2024, the MouthPad^ is now available nationwide in the U.S., with Augmental expanding its reach after working closely with early-access users.
Understanding the MouthPad^
At its core, the MouthPad^ is a custom intraoral device that sits on the roof of the mouth. Equipped with a tongue-operated trackpad, it allows users to control a computer or other digital devices using tongue gestures. While it may sound unconventional, the device has proven itself to be a game-changer for those with limited hand mobility.
The idea behind the MouthPad^ is to provide a more accessible, intuitive way of controlling technology for individuals who cannot rely on traditional input methods like a mouse or keyboard. The past year has seen Augmental refining the device through feedback from early users, ensuring it meets the needs of people with various abilities and mobility challenges. These users have tested and provided valuable insights that have contributed to the device’s final design and functionality.
Early users and their experiences
One of the key success factors for the MouthPad^ has been the involvement of early customers in its development. Augmental collaborated with 40 users who had unique physical challenges to optimize the device. Each user brought their own perspective, which helped shape the MouthPad^ into what it is today.
Keely Horch, a math and computer engineering student from Catonsville, Maryland, is one of the early users of the MouthPad^. She refers to the device as a “game-changer” in her academic life. Keely highlights that the device allows her to take notes and participate during lectures, where voice control is not a viable option. She notes, “I’m excited about the future because of the independence I have now from the MouthPad^. Being able to stay up late to do homework, or play games, it gives me a sense of normalcy.”
Similarly, Esther Klang, an accessibility tester and advocate from Brooklyn, New York, shares her experience with the MouthPad^. Esther has found the device to be instrumental in her work, helping her navigate apps, create content, and connect with her community more efficiently. “I post a lot on social media, and the MouthPad^ is helping me write more efficiently and be more productive,” she explains. Esther also mentions that she can now take pictures and videos independently for the first time, stating, “The feeling of happiness, joy, and satisfaction I experienced when I took a picture and video for the first time cannot be described.”
Josh Basile, a trial attorney from Potomac, Maryland, and a board member of the United Spinal Association, has also benefited from using the MouthPad^. In his words, the device has provided him with new independence in both his work and personal life. He can now play games with his friends and flip the pages of bedtime stories for his daughter without needing to rely solely on voice commands. “I’ve been missing chess for so long, and I got it back,” Josh shares, emphasizing how the technology has enabled him to engage in activities he missed.
Adding head-tracking: A new layer of control
Building on feedback from its early users, Augmental introduced a head-tracking feature in May 2024, further enhancing the MouthPad^’s capabilities. The head-tracking feature allows users to control the cursor by tilting their head, with no need for external cameras or setups. The system uses a pair of motion sensors to translate head movements into cursor glides, offering a seamless hands-free experience.
Users can still rely on the tongue-operated trackpad for gestures such as clicking, dragging, swiping, and scrolling, allowing for a fully integrated experience. The addition of head-tracking broadens the potential audience for the MouthPad^, making it suitable for a wider range of people, from content creators to gamers. With this feature, users can switch between modes and calibrate the device using a companion app, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to their specific needs.
This new functionality has sparked interest from a diverse group of users, including those in creative fields. The device enables content creators to explore novel ways of interacting with technology, from creating music to capturing images in innovative ways. For gamers, the combination of head-tracking and tongue gestures could offer a more immersive and responsive gaming experience.
Availability and accessibility
As of June 2024, the MouthPad^ is now available for purchase across the U.S. Previously, the device was limited to a few select cities where customers had to undergo in-person mouth scans and onboarding. However, with the expansion of a network of over 50 dental partners, Augmental has made it easier for customers nationwide to access the device. The remote onboarding process allows users to receive guidance without the need for in-person appointments, further increasing accessibility.
To obtain a MouthPad^, customers can join the waitlist on the Augmental website. Once their turn comes, they will be provided with a purchase link and assistance in scheduling a dental scan at a nearby partner center. Augmental covers the cost of the dental scan, and after the device is delivered to the customer’s home, an onboarding session is scheduled to help them set up and use the device. Additionally, Augmental offers a 30-day full refund policy, giving customers peace of mind as they explore this innovative technology.
Source: Augmental
