I immediately sent this to my tetraplegic brother in-law. He cannot move his fingers so he uses a special device to precisely point on a touchscreen using his fist. It makes sense to me: other than the fingers, the tongue is probably the most precise output device on the body.

I have had periods of time where I couldn't use my hands to use the computer due to bad rsi. I used an eye tracker for controlling the mouse and a voice recognition tool (talon) for typing. However, I couldn't use these for very long because I got a sore throat from speaking in a way the computer understands, and focusing places with my eyes all the time gave me headaches.

While a mouthpad seems slighly superior to an eye tracker, the real benefit lies in having more alternatives in my opinion. So you can use your tongue when your eyes are tired and your eyes when your tongue is tired.

+1 on the complementary potential of the MouthPad^.

As you mention, the MouthPad^ would serve as an awesome tool in tandem with gaze-based cursor control. I’d like to point out that there are also other interface combinations that could work well, too. For example, we have tested using our device in tandem with voice-assistant systems and found preliminary success as our device does not prevent speech. In the end, everyone has different needs and preferences, and each interface has their quirks, so we aim to create a better option by leveraging the power of the tongue (comprised of 8 different muscles, and intrinsically dexterous).

I've always dreamed of controlling my computer with my tongue. This looks fantastic

I'm a c-5 incomplete quadriplegic with hemispheric stroke-like paralysis that bothers my body all over. Some of it is just weakness, some of it is incomplete sensation, some of it is total paralysis. I have one weak-yet-functioning hand, and one hand that works only via the tone present in the hand as a rough pointing-poking tool. I use a manual wheelchair. At my injury level I am exceedingly fortunate to have decent trunk and upper body mobility.

I have found setups that work for me, and i'm comfortable now -- but I wish I had something like this years ago when I had to make accommodations.

My main worry in seeing this -- like all accessibility equipment -- is that it will be outrageously priced or locked up behind some kind of insurance coding so as to capture that segment of the market; most medical groups aim for VFW-equivalent equipment coverage on insurance, and I have no-where near that.

That said : I would love this as a device for TIG-torch actuation. That's one nut that I haven't yet been able to crack, and I was seriously considering the idea of tinkering up some kind of mouth-actuated wireless solution for welding. I can imagine this as a PC bridge to an interface that could help realize a fine control for the torch.

    > I would love this as a device for TIG-torch actuation

Thanks for the chuckle.

My mom works with people with disabilities and all of her clients that I've met are like this--determined and capable.

I imagine there's a lot of people who need help in getting these tech setups going with a bunch of trial and error and then after that they can independently operate. Are there any volunteer groups that help with that?

>I imagine there's a lot of people who need help in getting these tech setups going with a bunch of trial and error and then after that they can independently operate. Are there any volunteer groups that help with that?

I'm pretty out-of-touch with the accessibility/advocacy world, but should such a group exist I think that it'd be a blast to work for/with them. Giving someone back an ability is something that may be minor for some, but life-changing for others. I would imagine that it would be immensely gratifying work.

I know of groups like AbleGamers that have helped with gaming accessibility as well as providing equipment for people on a limited-basis. I think they were also one of the forces behind the XBox Adaptive Controller, which was a boon for some.

>My main worry in seeing this -- like all accessibility equipment -- is that it will be outrageously priced or locked up behind some kind of insurance coding so as to capture that segment of the market; most medical groups aim for VFW-equivalent equipment coverage on insurance, and I have no-where near that.

Our trains of though crossed paths here. I was thinking about how useful it might be to an able bodied person, if it would be fun or even beneficial to use. Like having a third hand in gaming would be nice sometimes. Then it immediately called to mind how outrageously expensive aid devices like this tend to be. For example an actually good hearing aid is like $2,000 for some reason. And a really nice robotic wheelchair can be like $40,000. So with disappointment I assume this thing, even if it makes it to scaled up commercial production is going to be out of my price range as someone who doesn't actually need it but wouldn't mind helping to fund the project.

Is the apparent price gouging because insurance might pay for it? Or because some people don't have a choice but to buy it?

I have joint+nerve issues and struggle using a computer -- but a mouse in particular -- for extended periods. Something like this would be game-changing for me; it would be awesome to have another input with "resolution"/accuracy anywhere close to what the mouse can do. Eye tracking isn't quite it for me, trackballs are very uncomfortable (thumbs are one of the biggest joint issues for me), ergonomic mice that meet my needs are hard to find with left-handed design, keyboard as mouse input works terribly, ... so a device like this would be wonderful.

It's interesting but I wouldn't use it, partly because I got some hand functions still as a quadriplegic, I'm typing this on a keyboard with only my thumbs and I can type quite fast. I also have my mouse clicks switched as I cannot move my index finger, so I click with my middle finger. Other quadriplegics have it worse so things like this would be dope for them. At the end of the day, we will adapt to anything regardless.

> abled people who speculate on the needs

A device like this makes a lot of sense for wearable computing. I wouldn't assume the target market are people with disabilities.

The trailer video exclusively features people with quadriplegia.

Which is somewhat unfortunate. Having the device go mainstream is one way to reduce the cost per unit, or even subsidize the cost for people who really need it. Many accessibility technologies end up being an improvement for everyone.

I would certainly be interested in the device purely from a keeping-both-hands-on-the-keyboard perspective.

This is a fair point.

Although our promotional video features people with quadriplegia, the MouthPad^ is designed for everyone and anyone interested in using their tongue and mouth to control their personal devices. We believe strongly in universal design, and how designing for extremes can create an improved experience for all users, and this has led us to work closely with the disability community. A classic example of the benefits of universal design can be seen in curb cuts, which were initially built into our sidewalks to help accommodate the needs of people living with mobility issues, but ended up providing value to many other groups, such as mothers with strollers, workers with carts, travelers with luggage, runners, skateboarders, etc.