Published on 02/ 1/2008
Scientists are currently working on new technology that allows wheelchairs to be controlled by one's tongue. Should their efforts pay off in a working prototype, this would provide unprecedented freedom to severely disabled people. Currently, they are targeting an electric wheelchair that responds to eight different flicks of the tongue, where a small microphone located in the ear will be capable of detecting each tongue movement while a computer converts them into various commands such as start, stop, and turn. Sounds like a program that ought to receive more funding so that it can roll out faster. Hopefully the final product won't be a financial burden on the intended users.