Wheelchairs can be a incredibly hard for some to navigate in, especially those who are completely paralyzed from the neck down (quadriplegics), but the Tongue Drive System hopes to make the mode of transportation that much easier. As its name suggests, it is a system that is controlled via the tongue, hence the mouth is how people will communicate to the wheelchair which way to go.
Developed by researchers from Georgia Tech, the Tongue Drive System has been worked on since 2005. It has only been recently, however, that it seems a viable alternative to other methods of control. Maysam Ghovanloo, the research's principal investigator, says in a statement, "It's really easy to understand what the Tongue Drive System can do and what it is good for. Now, we have solid proof that people with disabilities can potentially benefit from it."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Tongue Drive System
- The tongue-controlled wheelchair system provides a new method of control for individuals with limited mobility, creating opportunities for innovation and accessibility.
- Assistive Technology
- The development of mouth-controlled wheelchairs represents a growing trend in the field of assistive technology, opening doors for further advancements and improvements.
- Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
- The Tongue Drive System showcases the intersection of neuroscience and biomedical engineering, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities in both industries.
Where This Applies
- Healthcare
- The mouth-controlled wheelchair system has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by improving mobility and independence for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Technology
- The development of the Tongue Drive System highlights the role of technology in transforming accessibility and inclusivity, offering disruptive innovation prospects within the tech industry.
- Disability Services
- The Tongue Drive System creates opportunities for disruptive innovations and enhancements in the disability services industry by introducing a novel method of wheelchair control.
