Augmental Technologies’ MouthPad^ allows head and tongue tracking and scrolling via Bluetooth.

Augmental Technologies, a media lab spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has unveiled the world’s first hands-free touchpad that allows users to control phones, computers, and tablets effortlessly using subtle head and tongue gestures.

The groundbreaking device, called MouthPad^, is a 3D printed custom-fit device perched on the roof of the mouth, converting tongue, head, and breath gestures into intuitive commands. Lightweight and virtually invisible, it offers discreet and efficient control over digital devices, making it ideal particularly for users with physical disabilities - those with physical limitations affecting their hands or arms - or anyone seeking a hands-free computing solution.

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The ~1 mm thick device works with a plug-and-play design, connecting to most modern devices via Bluetooth. It’s compatible with major operating systems, including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux, with no additional software required.

How does it work?

The MouthPad^ offers dual tracking modes. One is Head Tracking: Subtle head movements guide the cursor. The other is Tongue Tracking: The tongue-operated trackpad allows for gestures like left-click, right-click, click-and-drag, and scrolling; for instance, tongue presses execute left-clicks or dragging and sip gestures perform right-clicks.

This innovative device is custom-made using dental-grade resin for a secure and comfortable fit. During the tests, many early users noted that wearing the MouthPad^ for extended periods - up to 10 hours daily - caused no discomfort, Augmental Technologies claims on its website.

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Weighing just 7.5 grams and measuring approximately 80 x 50 x 30 mm, it is designed to be unobtrusive and allows natural speech, enabling simultaneous use with voice recognition tools. The device is best for individuals over 18 with good oral health and sufficient tongue dexterity, the company warns.

Customers willing to file a pre-order need to perform a 3D intraoral scan first, ensuring a perfect fit, and Augmental Technologies covers the scanning cost through its network of partners, assuming the buyers are in the United States.

Disclaimers

The manufacturing process takes about 1–3 months after receiving the user’s scan. Early adopters benefit from a risk-free trial with a full refund available within 30 days if unsatisfied.

Refund, however, is not applicable if the device is damaged intentionally or by tinkering, or by boiling water, or exposure to sunlight for extended periods. Also, no money back if MouthPad^ is used by someone else than the intended user.

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Augmental doesn’t recommend leaving MouthPad^ in the mouth during the meals, though it’s safe to drink water or coffee while it’s in there.

MouthPad^ is currently available through an Early Access program in the U.S. only, and includes a charging case and cable, a 1-year warranty covering design and manufacturing defects, plus access to software updates and support for 3D mouth scans.

Battery life lasts at least 5 hours of continuous use, with a full recharge in 1.5 hours, and the San Francisco-based company is now working to extend it up to 8 hours.

Augmental Technologies was founded in 2019 by MIT engineers Corten Singer and Tomás Vega.

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