Originally published on November 29, 2013
Scientists have developed a new system that allows paralyzed people to control their wheelchairs and other devices using their tongues — allowing patients to regain some mobility by using their tongues like joysticks.
Users need to pierce their tongues to accommodate a metallic stud attached to a high-strength magnet. A special headset is designed with sensors that detect the precise positions of the tongue. With a wireless connection, the headset will send out signals to a smartphone carried by the user, which will control the movement of the wheelchair.
During trials, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology tested the system on 23 able-bodied people and 11 subjects with tetraplegia. The latter group controlled their wheelchairs three times faster compared with using the sip-and-puff system, a traditional form of assistive technology. The motions were just as accurate.
The system is also able to distinguish tongue commands and speech movements.
Aside from maneuvering wheelchairs, the new technology also enables users to make phone calls or operate computers.
The device will not be available on the market until a few more years of trials outside a controlled environment.
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