“MouthPad”, a mouse for your mouth controlled by the tongue

‘A mouse for your mouth’: New device PRESENTED AT CES allows users to scroll with their tongues

“MouthPad”, which attached to the roof of the mouth and can be controlled by the tongue, made its debut on the floor of CES. It will be available to the public later this year.

The MouthPad is a tongue-driven interface that controls your computer, smartphone, or tablet via Bluetooth.

Virtually invisible to the world, but always available to you, it is positioned across the roof of your mouth to put all of the power of a conventional touchpad at the tip of your tongue.  Invisible to everyone else (the MouthPad is clear around the teeth), it detects every movement and gesture of your tongue in real-time to support standard cursor control and clicks.

Inside there is also a force sensor that picks up left and right clicks or could be mapped to other hotkey options. On the side, a small bump that holds the Bluetooth antenna and wireless charging battery sticks out and lays against the cheek.

Cross-platform support

No need to install any extra software, the MouthPad can connect straight out of the box with most standard operating systems.

Fully wireless

Connect and control Mouthpad is done by using Bluetooth technology. When not in use, it an be automatically recharged by placing it in its charging case.

Dental-grade materials

Made from trusted and carefully-sourced dental materials, each custom-made MouthPad leverages the latest advancements in 3D printing, electronic encapsulation, and dental materials. Augmental doesn’t recommend leaving it in for meals, but it is safe to drink with it in.

The company hopes to build the technology out in the near future, bringing new possibilities for users in the coming months. Some additions may include voice and wheelchair control. The battery now lasts about five hours, but Augmental hopes to extend it to eight in their next version.

For whom

MouthPad can be a helpful tool to those living with disabilities, especially those with a hand impairment or paralysis. It connects to any tablet, phone or computer through Bluetooth.

Actually, the product idea itself came up after at Augmentals they realized that people who were paralyzed struggled to find the right technology that suited their needs. They noted that many times the products that existed were too bulky or not portable. Some competitors already on the market include Tecla, a company that offers different switch types depending on the user’s range of motion. There are also free apps, like Open Sesame, available on smartphones that can track a user’s head motions instead of the typical touchscreen.

But MouthPad also appeals to more than the intended market now. Professionals who use their hands a lot, like mechanics or surgeons, have shown interest in the device. The company has also talked with astronauts who would like to try it out at the International Space Station.

Soon on the market

The Augmental team has been developing its working prototype for about two years, mostly fine-tuning controls and applying filters so the device can work even if it picks up saliva or water. The product is expected to hit the market later this year, and early access is available on their website now.

More on Augmental

At Augmental, they believe people deserve universal digital access to the devices that have become so ingrained in our daily lives. That’s why they are committed to pushing the boundaries of how people interact with technology by building intuitive products that empower everyone to unleash their creativity. Che company released MouthPad at CES 2024.