Advances in Tongue Drive System

Advances have been made in improving the Tongue Drive System, which enables patients with high-level spinal cord injuries to use a computer and manoeuvre an electrically powered wheelchair by moving their tongue.

The newest prototype of the device, which goes inside the mouth, is an inconspicuous dental retainer embedded with sensors to control the system.

It is hoped that the latest model will bring improved performance and user comfort, by removing the need for a headset worn by the user, which tracked the movement of a magnet placed on the tongue.

This can now be done through the retainer model, without the need for the device to visible.

Maysam Ghovanloo, associate professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, stated: "By moving the sensors inside the mouth, we have created a Tongue Drive System with increased mechanical stability and comfort that is nearly unnoticeable."

The device is essential for many patients who can now interact with their environments and control their movement.

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