Netrix S.A., in cooperation with Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, is implementing the project entitled “Ultrasound-Based System for Monitoring Tongue Movement in Orthodontic and Speech Therapy Using Computational Intelligence.” The project is co-financed by the European Union under the SMART Path Programme, Priority: Support for Enterprises, within the European Funds for a Modern Economy Programme.
The objective of the project is to develop a breakthrough, fully integrated diagnostic system based on advanced ultrasound technology, enabling:
- Non-invasive real-time imaging of tongue movement,
- Monitoring of tongue shape and position at rest, during swallowing, and during speech,
- Simultaneous acquisition of ultrasound images and audio recordings,
- Automated analysis of tongue movement using artificial intelligence algorithms,
- Detection and classification of speech disorders and orthodontic abnormalities.
The proposed device—an innovative ultrasound tomograph with full 4D imaging capability—will be equipped with a dedicated miniature ultrasound probe optimized for speech therapy and orthodontic diagnostics. The system will integrate ultrasound image analysis with an advanced acoustic module, enabling synchronization of recorded speech with the corresponding sequence of tongue movements.
The technology will have applications across numerous clinical, educational, and scientific fields, including:
Speech Therapy
- Diagnosis of articulation disorders,
- Assessment of tongue movement in children and adults,
- Therapy monitoring,
- Identification of compensatory tongue movement patterns.
Orthodontics
- Assessment of the impact of tongue function on malocclusion,
- Analysis of swallowing patterns and abnormal oral motor habits,
- Planning of myofunctional therapy.
Medical Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation of patients following oral or facial injuries and surgical procedures,
- Support for neurological speech therapy.
Research and Professional Education
- Educational tool for speech therapists, orthodontists, linguists, and phoniatricians,
- Scientific research on phonetics and speech articulation.
The project includes comprehensive industrial research and experimental development activities divided into the following work packages:
Task 1 – Development of the Technological Concept
- Device architecture,
- Preliminary ultrasound probe design,
- Clinical requirements analysis.
Task 2 – Development of the Diagnostic Test
- Preparation of linguistic test material,
- Development of the diagnostic protocol,
- Design of acoustic segmentation algorithms.
Task 3 – Construction of the Ultrasound Probe and Device Prototype
- Measurement electronics,
- Component miniaturization,
- Hardware integration.
Task 4 – Development of AI Algorithms
- Audio processing (phoneme localization and classification),
- Ultrasound image analysis (tongue contour detection and 3D/4D reconstruction),
- Fusion of acoustic and visual data.
Task 5 – Development of the Final Device and Embedded Software
- Hardware–software integration,
- Electrical safety testing,
- Preparation of the system for clinical studies.
Task 6 – Development of Desktop Software and User Testing
- User interface for speech therapists and orthodontists,
- Functional testing,
- Optimization of communication with the device.
The system addresses a significant gap in the market, as currently:
- There is no ultrasound device specifically designed for speech therapy diagnostics,
- No existing solution provides comprehensive 3D/4D tongue imaging,
- Available technologies (EMA, EPG, MRI) are expensive, ergonomically limited, or interfere with natural tongue movement.
Implementation of the project will contribute to:
- Improving the quality of speech therapy and orthodontic diagnostics,
- Increasing access to precise diagnostic tools, including outside major medical centers,
- Reducing therapy duration while improving treatment effectiveness,
- Introducing an innovative Polish medical technology to the global market,
- Strengthening national competencies in artificial intelligence and medical technologies (MedTech).
Project value: PLN 8,798,920.05
European Union co-financing: PLN 7,135,412.83
Project implementation period: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028
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