MouthPad^ represents a revolutionary technological innovation that enables individuals to control devices solely through the movement of their tongue. The company’s first device aims to push the boundaries of hands-free technology and make it more human-centered. It is an intelligent intraoral interface that is fully customized and adapted to the user’s mouth, with the capability to connect to multiple personal devices.
Tomás Vega, co-founder and engineer of Augmental, remarked:
“As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, and the world expands from the physical to the digital, it is more important than ever to ensure that everyone has equal access to new interfaces. Interactions with these systems must be designed to accommodate how humans perceive, process, and act, and we have taken a significant step forward with this award.”
Corten Singer, co-founder of Augmental, added:
“I firmly believe that technology should meet us where we are, rather than the other way around. It is incredibly gratifying for a startup like ours to have the jury members of such a prestigious festival as Cannes Lions share the same belief. It was an honor to present this work alongside Wunderman Thompson and demonstrate how universal design has the power to greatly expand digital access for everyone, not just those lacking mobility.”
Wunderman Thompson provided world-class brand support and brand experience for Augmental’s MouthPad^, led by the Wunderman Thompson team in Peru, in collaboration with Wunderman Thompson’s Inclusive Experience Practice.
Josh Loebner, PhD, Global Head of Inclusive Design at Wunderman Thompson, expressed:
“Creativity and culture go hand in hand, but for those who cannot use their hands, they are often marginalized in society. For individuals with paralysis, quadriplegia, and other manual impairments, MouthPad^ is an inspiring breakthrough on the tip of their tongue. I couldn’t be happier that it has now been honored with a Grand Prix of Innovation.”
Dany Minaker & Patan Tarazaga, Chief Creative Officers of Wunderman Thompson LATAM, added:
“We couldn’t be prouder of what this incredible team has achieved. MouthPad^ is a fantastic innovation that can change the lives of millions of people. Winning the Grand Prix of Innovation with this project is a dream come true.”
The recognition of Augmental and its groundbreaking product, MouthPad^, with the Grand Prix of Innovation at the Cannes Lions 2023 Festival highlights the immense impact of their work in pushing the boundaries of technology and creating inclusive solutions that can transform lives. This achievement serves as an inspiration to the industry, demonstrating the power of innovation to drive meaningful change and improve the daily experiences of individuals around the world.
