Augmental, co-founded by Tomás Vega and Corten Singer, is dedicated to developing technology that integrates with the human body to enable hands-free control of digital devices. Their flagship product, the MouthPad^, is a tongue-controlled interface designed to assist individuals with disabilities in interacting with their electronic devices. This product leverages advanced 3D printing, electronic encapsulation, and dental-grade materials to create a custom-fit, pressure-sensitive touchpad that sits at the roof of the mouth.
Augmental was founded by Tomás Vega and Corten Singer, who were recognized as 2023 Under 30 Social Impact listers by Forbes. The company originated from a project at MIT’s Media Lab in 2019, aimed at empowering individuals with impaired hand control to use modern technology. Despite facing funding challenges, the company has grown by staying lean and securing donations for essential resources like 3D printers.
Augmental has raised approximately $1.5 million over four years through various funding rounds, including a business plan competition and an incubator/accelerator program. The company was acquired on May 23, 2024, although the exact acquisition amount remains undisclosed.
Control Mechanism: Utilizes subtle head and tongue gestures for cursor control and clicks.
Compatibility: Works with MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android devices.
Battery Life: Offers over 5 hours of continuous use with a charge time of approximately 1.5 hours.
The company's recent acquisition in May 2024 suggests potential for further expansion and development. Augmental plans to extend its technology to assist those with speech impairments.
Augmental continuously refines the MouthPad based on feedback from early adopters. They have collaborated with individuals with diverse abilities to enhance the device’s functionality and user experience. Future updates may include automated onboarding processes to streamline user integration.
Augmental's mission is to make technology more human-friendly and accessible to everyone. The company values empathy and social impact, striving to bridge the gap between technology and users with physical limitations. Their team, comprising experts from Tesla, Microsoft, and Google, works with a shared vision of creating intuitive and empowering products.
The MouthPad has garnered significant interest, with a waitlist exceeding a thousand people. Early adopters have praised the device for its ability to reconnect them with loved ones and enhance their digital interactions. The company’s focus on user feedback and community engagement is evident in their iterative development process.
Augmental
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