New technology recently developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology can now allow a tongue to move a mouse on a computer screen or maneuver a wheelchair. The technology, developed by a group of engineers headed by Georgia Tech Professor Maysam Ghovanloo, could significantly help improve the quality for life for those living with disabilities.
The technology, known as the "Tongue Drive system," was introduced at the 2008 Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) conference in Washington, D.C. on Sunday.
"This device could revolutionize the field of assistive technologies by helping individuals with severe disabilities, such as those with high-level spinal cord injuries, return to rich, active, independent and productive lives," said Ghovanloo.
To use the technology, a magnet the size of a grain of rice is either implanted or placed to the tongue. The magnet then transfers tongue motions to a receiving device, either an orthodontic brace or a headset, which then relays the information to a computer, wheelchair, or steering wheel.
But why use the tongue instead of other parts of the body? Ghovanloo explained, "We chose the tongue to operate the system because unlike hands and feet, which are controlled by the brain through the spinal cord, the tongue is directly connected to the brain by a cranial nerve that generally escapes damage in severe spinal cord injuries or neuromuscular diseases. Tongue movements are also fast, accurate and do not require much thinking, concentration or effort."
Assisting Ghovanloo on the project is Georgia Tech grad student Xueliang Huo and dozens of other individuals without disabilities. Trials where experimenters used tongue movements as a mouse for a computer and for controlling a wheelchair showed excellent accuracy and timing of the device.
"We hope this technology will reduce the need of individuals with severe disabilities to receive continuous assistance from family members or caregivers, thus significantly reducing healthcare and assistance costs," said Ghovanloo. "This system may also make it easier for them to work and communicate with others, such as friends and family."
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