Have you ever heard of the MouthPad? It is a revolutionary piece of technology that I was unfamiliar with until April 2023, but it has become an indispensable part of my life.
This groundbreaking device was created by Augmental, a San Francisco-based startup and MIT breakaway lab co-founded by brilliant engineers Tomas Vega and Corten Singer and energized by a group of highly motivated, like-minded people. The MouthPad is housed on the roof of the mouth and is nearly invisible to the rest of the world. Connected by Bluetooth, it is a pressure-sensitive, retainer-like device with a tongue trackpad and head-tracking. The MouthPad enables people with motor and speech limitations, like me, to interact with technology in a new and discreet way. By subtle tongue or head movements, or a combination of both, I can seamlessly navigate my phone and computer, unlocking and discovering an endless world of opportunities and connections that were previously not feasible for me.
The MouthPad is a dream come true for those with severe mobility impairments. It has not only restored my independence but also empowered me to perform tasks that were once out of reach. I discovered how to use the camera app for the first time because I was not relying on the phone’s camera to operate it. The happiness, joy, and satisfaction I experienced when I took a picture and recorded a video for the first time cannot be described. This simple act may seem insignificant to most people, but it meant the world to me. I’ve had a great time playing around with all the cool edits that are available.
The technology’s practical benefits are undeniable, but its sense of privacy and freedom is truly inspiring. I am able to connect with others and express myself freely.
I’ll admit that it took me a lot of time and patience to master the MouthPad, especially since it was my first time using a gyroscopic mouse as an access method. But it is well worth the time and effort. The dedicated team at Augmental made the journey enjoyable and rewarding, motivating me to persevere. They came to my house, made me feel like a VIP, and patiently answered all of my questions before, during, and after my onboarding sessions. They instilled a sense of confidence and made me feel valued, which I will never forget.
It has also been a rewarding journey for me personally. As someone who had poor tongue and facial movements and facial asymmetry, using the MouthPad required and gave me the push to become more cognizant of my tongue movements. It has shown me that the tongue is actually very agile.
I’m genuinely excited to see Augmental’s ongoing journey. The prospect of wheelchair control integration, which they are working on, is revolutionary, offering newfound independence to countless individuals. It’s a testament to Augmental’s dedication to pushing boundaries and making technology accessible. My hope is for the MouthPad to one day be integrated with exoskeletons, allowing you to control their movements independently. I would love to use it with Wandercraft’s Atalante X exoskeleton — another transformative technology that has given me the taste of the simple joy of walking that we all take for granted.
As I look towards the future, I am hopeful at Augmental’s potential to further advance its integrations with the MouthPad. I can imagine a future where even more people can experience freedom of movement, breaking down barriers and redefining possibilities.
I am deeply grateful to Augmental for developing the MouthPad. This remarkable piece of technology has not only enhanced my quality of life but also opened doors to countless possibilities. It is a testament to the power of innovation and the unwavering commitment of those who genuinely want to make a difference in the lives of people who are too often forgotten and underrepresented.
Thank you, Augmental, for making a real difference in my life and the lives of so many others.
