The so-called 'Mouthpad' is a device that is placed on the roof of the mouth and using the tongue the phone is controlled by sensors with a Bluetooth connection. An innovative startup has developed this item that would make life easier for many people with motor disabilities. Oral appliance is easy to use. Just place it on the roof of your mouth and move your tongue where you want it to go.

The technology used in this device analyzes the position and movement of the tongue with a learning algorithm embedded in its processor. Thus, with a simple flick of the tongue, the Mouthpad allows you to send an email, edit a photo and even send audio messages, as the design of the handset does not prevent you from speaking while in use.

Although this technology is a great advance, it is not yet known when it will come to the market, but its Beta version already has a waiting list. These devices are manufactured to order because they are designed to fit the user's mouth; therefore, it will be necessary to take measurements of the size of the mouth, so that all the sensors fit perfectly. The circuit board and sensor have a water- and saliva-resistant capsule that protects the electronics, which its creators say prevents problems caused by saliva corrosion.

Some have already tried it, as seen in a video where a man controls his iPhone hands-free and manages to enter a route into the Maps app. Control the pointer until the map opens and type the direction to go using your mouth. This will be a milestone that will allow us to continue to move forward so that everyone can have access to the convenience of technology.

• The most innovative campaign

The Innovation category of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity aims to recognize ideas, projects or campaigns related to "innovation, disruption or transformation". This is the section that rewards innovative initiatives, products or devices that have been proposed to be promoted since 2013, that bring about a positive change in people's lives. Added to all of them, in last year's 70th edition of the competition, was "Mouthpad", the development of Wunderman Thompson Lima and Augmental San Francisco for Augmental.

The section's jury decided to award the top prize to an oral device that works as a computer mouse to make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the Internet. The agency defined the "Mouthpad" as "an inspiring innovation in inclusive design that opens up a new way for people with disabilities to interact with the world."

The development is between Wunderman Thompson Lima and the agency's Inclusive Experience Unit and Augmental, a spin-off from the MIT Media Lab, a hardware startup focused on creating human experiences that enhance everyday interactions with digital devices and interfaces. "Mouthpad" aims to improve the autonomy of people with reduced upper extremity mobility, with the aim of providing them with assistive technology that alleviates frustration when interacting with digital tools.

According to them, referring to data from the World Health Organization, it is estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 people worldwide suffer from spinal cord injuries (SCI) every year. It is a condition that causes significant obstacles in daily activities, as well as in education, employment or social participation, due to difficulties in moving.

Therefore, the design embraces language as an alternative to interacting with digital platforms, taking into account skill and sensitivity. Thanks to its network of muscles and nerves, a wide range of motion is created, which allows it to precisely control computers, phones, tablets and other electronic devices.

Thus, the "Mouthpad" is a kind of device with a trackpad chip. According to the company, the tool processes the position and pressure of the user's tongue using a machine learning algorithm, and signals that are sent to the connected device via Bluetooth and are converted into cursor movements and clicks. This allows the user to send an email to turn on the lights, edit a photo, or play a video game.

Each device can be customized through an intraoral scanning process that creates a 3D model of the mouth and is printed with dental resin. Furthermore, as Augmental explains, everything is enclosed in a hermetic housing that protects the electronic components from saliva. As stated on the company's website, the device is compatible with iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows and Linux systems.

According to Augmental, "Mouthpad" uses eye-tracking technology, voice assistance or through lips it goes a step beyond solutions like controlled joysticks, which can leave users feeling frustrated, tired or with damaged eye teeth.