Augmental launches custom MouthPad that lets users steer devices with their tongue

Augmental Technologies of San Francisco introduced the MouthPad, a thin dental-resin retainer that rests on the roof of the mouth and translates subtle tongue or head motions into computer cursor control. Users can move the cursor, perform left-clicks, click-and-drag, scroll, swipe, and trigger a right-click with a sip gesture, all via a Bluetooth connection to phones, tablets or PCs running macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS or Android.

A companion app allows customization of cursor speed, touch sensitivity and scrolling behavior, with settings stored on the device for easy switching between paired devices. Each MouthPad is custom-manufactured from an intraoral 3-D scan, priced at $1,400 (or $1,900 for a two-device kit), and provides over seven hours of continuous use before a 1.5-hour charge. Augmental targets adults with sufficient tongue dexterity and good oral health, positioning the device as an assistive tool for those unable to use traditional mice or touchscreens.