Audio tooth implant

This is an exhibition of Auger and Loizeau's audio tooth implant. The exhibition was supported by the Science Museum and the Royal College of Art and funded by NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts). Implant technology is already commonplace in the form of replacement surgery (artificial joints, pacemakers, etc). The Audio Tooth Implant (ATI) is the first commodity based in-body product. Augmenting our body's communication skills it enables a form of telepathy. A micro-vibration device and a wireless low frequency receiver are implanted in the tooth during routine dental surgery. The tooth communicates with an array of digital devices, such as mobile telephones, radio and computers. A dedicated device (also acts as the long-range receiver) is used to fully customise the set up for each individual's personal requirements. Sound information is transferred from the tooth into the inner ear by bone transduction. Sound reception is totally discreet enabling information to be received anywhere at anytime. Ostensibly the design of a new emergent technology product, the design was a conceit to explore media take up of dramatic technological developments; essentially exposing the way media is seduced by the notion of advanced technology application. The aim was to raise a discourse about the effects of the technology by engaging the public (through mass media) in thinking about the implications of new technology particularly related to body augmentation.