Originally published on November 29, 2013 <br /><br />Scientists have developed a new system that allows paralyzed people to control their wheelchairs and other devices using their tongues — allowing patients to regain some mobility by using their tongues like joysticks. <br /><br />Users need to pierce their tongues to accommodate a metallic stud attached to a high-strength magnet. A special headset is designed with sensors that detect the precise positions of the tongue. With a wireless connection, the headset will send out signals to a smartphone carried by the user, which will control the movement of the wheelchair. <br /><br />During trials, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology tested the system on 23 able-bodied people and 11 subjects with tetraplegia. The latter group controlled their wheelchairs three times faster compared with using the sip-and-puff system, a traditional form of assistive technology. The motions were just as accurate. <br /><br />The system is also able to distinguish tongue commands and speech movements. <br /><br />Aside from maneuvering wheelchairs, the new technology also enables users to make phone calls or operate computers. <br /><br />The device will not be available on the market until a few more years of trials outside a controlled environment.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world.<br /><br />For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:<br />https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:<br />http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Stay connected with us here:<br />Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Google+ http://gplus.to/TomoNewsUS
