Powerful tongue to control your computer: the mouth pad revolution!

While brain-computer interfaces make headlines, one startup is relying on an accessible organ to help people with disabilities navigate their computers: language. with Mouth pillowA kind of “sensor-covered lollipop,” Augmental technology promises to revolutionize the way we interact with computers. Discovery.

Thomas Vega, a journey marked by self-transcendence

At the origin of this innovation we find Thomas VegaCEO and Co-Founder ofadditional. This MIT-graduated engineer has stuttered since he was five years old, and has always sought to adapt technology to push the limits of the human body.

After an internship at Neuralink, Tomas Vega, who specializes in brain-machine interfaces question : What if we could get similar results without resorting to expensive and complex brain transplants?

The tongue, this unexpected organ

By studying the functioning of the brain, the trigger occurred. “A large part of our brain is dedicated to controlling the position of the tongue,” explains Tomas Vega. The tongue consists of 8 muscles and is rich in slow-twitch muscle fibres. It is a durable and delicate organ.

Based on this observation, the engineer came up with the idea of ​​exploiting all this potential for creativity Mouth pillowA revolutionary interface for controlling a computer with simple tongue movements.

MouthPad, the future mouse in your mouth

The MouthPad, 3D printed from biocompatible materials, is presented as a device specifically designed to be placed in the mouth, halfway between a dental splint and an electronics-filled retainer.

Thanks to ultra-sensitive sensors, the mouth plate allows you to:

• Move the cursor in all directions with the tongue
• Right click while imitating a suction motion
• Left-click while pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth

Extensive customization options allow the MouthPad to be adapted to each user's abilities, taking advantage of other movements such as clenching teeth or moving the neck and head.

Towards complete control through thought?

Augmental's ambition does not stop there. Eventually, Thomas Vega hopes to gain FDA approval to expand the MouthPad's capabilities to control robotic arms and wheelchairs. A giant step forward for people with mobility disabilities.

By incorporating whisper recognition and subtle movements of the speech organs, the MouthPad can offer new perspectives for patients with speech disorders associated with poor lung function.

With its unique approach and almost limitless capabilities, MouthPad has everything to become the new standard in digital accessibility. Proof that when it comes to innovation, sometimes you just need to know how to stick your tongue out at the right time!