Tongue Drive System

Article By:

Ghovanloo, Maysam GT-Bionics Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.

Last reviewed:2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB140269

The Tongue Drive System is an assistive technology that allows individuals with severe disabilities, such as those with tetraplegia, to control their environment using free, voluntary tongue motion. The tongue does not receive nearly as much attention and appreciation as it deserves. While tirelessly playing its vital roles in communication, ingestion, and breathing, the tongue has many additional inherent capabilities that allow it to be an ideal control channel for individuals who cannot use their hands because of severe physical disabilities or double amputations. Even able-bodied individuals can benefit from the tongue's rich motor capabilities in environments where the extremities' motion is limited, such as those in spacesuits or heavy gear for underwater or high-temperature operations. The tongue may even be employed in demanding conditions that require multitasking, such as controlling sophisticated surgical robots, drones, machinery, gaming, and even driving, where engaging both hands may not be sufficient.

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