MouthPad^ is a hands-free technology that provides individuals with disabilities a new level of autonomy. Users can operate computers, smartphones, and other devices by just using their tongue, giving them full access to digital platforms. This technology enables people living with paralysis to have accessibility interacting with their environment, communicate and express themselves with ease, boost rehabilitation processes: factors that lead to overcome barriers to social inclusion. MouthPad^ is a game-changer in the field of assistive technology that significantly improves people’s quality of life and well-being.

Individuals with limited upper-limb function, such as quadriplegia, face challenges when using traditional input devices like keyboards, mouses, and touchscreens. Although assistive technologies have advanced, they still provide a low-bandwidth interaction for users, limiting their privacy, portability, and sensitivity. As an innovative alternative access method to digital platforms for individuals with limited mobility, tongue-controlled devices provide a solution.

The tongue's intricate neural network provides dexterity and sensitivity that enables a wide range of movements, allowing for accurate control of computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronics. MouthPad^ was developed to align with Sustainable Development Goals, providing easier access to education and employment opportunities, reducing frustration and isolation, and enabling full participation in society for people with disabilities. The $2.1M raised for MouthPad^, including communications and development efforts, helps to achieve its goal of creating a more inclusive and accessible world for the over 34 million people worldwide with spinal cord injuries.

The tongue is a promising alternative for interacting with digital platforms, especially for individuals with limited mobility or disabilities. The tongue's dexterity and sensitivity come from its intricate network of muscles and nerves, which generate a wide range of movements. These movements enable the tongue to control computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronics with accuracy. MouthPad^ is a groundbreaking device that allows for hands-free control of electronic devices by attaching it to the roof of the mouth to harness the tongue‘s power and agility. This smart teeth retainer enables effortless control through eight dimensions of movement, including jaw, head, and sip-puff gestures. MouthPad^ provides a seamless and intuitive method of control, which is a significant improvement over previous devices that were bulky and conspicuous, leading to social stigmas.

2019

May 17th, 2019: first prototype at MIT

November 20th, 2019: incorporation

2020

January 2020: first check

January 30th, 2020: first mouthpad^ test circuit board

March 30th, 2020: second mouthpad^ test circuit board

April 17th, 2020: first retainer 3D printed

May 12th, 2020: first working 3D printed retainer

May 18th, 2020: first miniaturized mouthpad^ main module circuit board

May 22nd, 2020: first time wireless charging works

June 18, 2020: in-ear jaw-based interaction prototype

June 15th: 2020: first flexible circuit board working (main module)

August 1st, 2020: first flexible trackpad + other electronics working in mouthpad^ form factor

October 15th, 2020: MouthPad^ V1 in dental form factor

November 25, 2020: robotic camera control using head + jaw gestures

2021

January 11th, 2021: first video production (head + jaw gestures)

February 17th, 2021: first intraoral 3D scan

March 25, 2021: MouthPad^ V2 (wired), pressure sensor working

July 2nd, 2021: first patent filed

August 5th, 2021: Julian joined (1st employee)

October 1st, 2021: Corbin joined (2nd employee)

August 25th, 2021: raised pre-seed round

2022

January 6th, 2022: new capacitive sensor working

January 20th, 2022: created a data-gathering robotic tongue

March 17, 2022: 2nd patent filed

April 13th 2022: mouth-controlled vibrator

August 30th, 2022: first prototype for Krystina

November 14th, 2022: first prototype for RockyNoHands

January 20th, 2023: 3rd patent filed

March 2023: raised bridge round

April 21st, 2023: launch

MouthPad^ is an innovative tongue-controlled device that provides an alternative access method to digital platforms for individuals with limited upper-limb function, such as those with quadriplegia. The intricate neural network of the tongue provides dexterity and sensitivity that enables a wide range of movements, allowing for accurate control of computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronics. Less than four years after the first prototype was built in 2019, MouthPad^ is set to launch in April 2023. The device is an oral splint created with an intraoral 3D scanner that fits the user's mouth perfectly, encapsulating a flexible circuit board that contains sensors, a processing unit, and a transmitter. The device was developed with input from the disability community to adhere to principles of universal design and inclusivity. Its goal is to aid those with limited upper limb control by allowing them to perform tasks hands-free with greater independence. MouthPad^ aims to make its technology accessible to the widest possible.

Being unable to use a computer or smartphone due to limited hand function is frustrating and isolating. MouthPad^ allows individuals with disabilities to interact sharply with digital platforms using their tongue, something that was previously impossible. This innovative input device improves significantly their quality of life and independence, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals related to inclusion, access to education and employment opportunities. With potential for use by a wide range of individuals with disabilities, such as quadriplegia, it's attractive to more than 34 million users around the world. The $2.1 million investment raised awareness and improved the technology further through extensive research. MouthPad^ is an industry game-changer, garnering significant attention from the disable community and the general public alike. It represents the power of innovation to positively impact millions of people worldwide, and its potential for social good is limitless.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a condition that results from damage or trauma to the spinal cord, causing physical and neurological disabilities. In the United States, approximately 17,000 new cases of SCI occur each year, and there are currently an estimated 294,000 people living with it. These disabilities can significantly affect daily activities, education, employment, and society as a whole. The economic impact of SCI is also substantial, with a lifetime cost of care ranging from $1.2 to $5.2 million, depending on the severity of the injury. This does not include the lost income and reduced productivity associated with SCI. Assistive technology, such as MouthPad^, can help break down barriers to social inclusion, promote independence and participate fully in daily activities and achieve their goals.