Just Amazing

Blind soldier uses tongue device to ‘see’Camera sends electrical pulses to lollypop-like sensor in mouth allowing Craig Lundberg to visualise surroundings

A soldier who was blinded by a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq three years ago has been fitted with a device that allows him to “see” with his tongue, enabling him to visualise shapes, read words and walk unaided.

Lance Corporal Craig Lundberg, 24, from Walton, Liverpool, lost his sight while on patrol with the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s in Basra in 2007. He has been selected by the Ministry of Defence to test the BrainPort miniature video camera and sensory equipment, which could revolutionise treatment for blind patients.

The device works by converting visual images into a series of electrical pulses that are relayed to the tongue. The differing strengths and patterns of the tingles can be interpreted to build up a picture of surroundings and enable users to navigate around objects.

The device consists of a tiny video camera attached to a pair of sunglasses. It is linked by wires to a plastic lollypop-like sensor which users place on their tongue to receive the electrical impulses.

“It feels like licking a nine-volt battery or like popping candy,” Lundberg explained. “The camera sends signals down onto the lollypop and onto your tongue, you can then determine what they mean and transfer it to shapes.

“It’s only a prototype, but the potential to change my life is massive. It has enabled me to pick up objects straight away, I can reach out and pick them up when before I would be fumbling around.”

The MoD is paying around £18,000 for the device and training for the trial. Major General Gale Pollock, a retired US officer who worked on the development programme, said the BrainPort sends information to 400 points on the tongue connection. Designers plan to upgrade this to 4,000 points, providing a clearer image.