MouthIO is an innovative in-mouth device developed by researchers from MIT and Aarhus University, designed to capture health data and facilitate hands-free interactions with computers and phones. This interactive wearable resembles a dental brace and can be customized and 3D printed using a digital modeling tool. It integrates sensors and actuators to monitor various health metrics, such as teeth grinding, and allows motor-impaired individuals to interact with technology using their mouths.
The device is tailored to fit the user's dental structure, utilizing a plugin for Blender that enables precise design based on dental scans. Users can choose between a standard brace or an open-bite design, which is more comfortable and allows for natural speech. Initial experiments have shown that MouthIO can effectively track bruxism by detecting jaw movements and can facilitate hands-free interactions through tongue taps.
According to the initial findings of the developers, MouthIO is cost-effective, with production costs around $15 and a manufacturing time of approximately two hours. The researchers are exploring further enhancements, including flexible materials and additional designs for improved comfort and functionality. The potential applications of MouthIO extend to health monitoring and accessibility, making it a promising tool for both medical professionals and individuals with motor impairments.
Source: MIT News