Showa University Develops Realistic Robot Dental Patient

Showa University has created a robotic dental patient, named Showa Hanako 2, which is fabricated by Tmsuk.

The robot is much more realistic and is capable of more functions when compared to its predecessor Showa Hanako 1. The dental robot would be sold to the dental supply company, Yoshida Dental Manufacturing. The new robot has a mouth and skin made up of silicone; it is capable of mimicking movements such as choking and moving its head. The tongue and the arms have two degrees of freedom and the robot has 10 degrees of freedomin all. The mouth and the skin have been constructed by Orient Industry, which is a manufacturer of love dolls.

The researchers explained that they have paid special attention in making the robot look more realistic. The students who train on the robot should feel like they are working on a real patient. The tongue and the mouth of the robot are made from a single piece in order to prevent water from getting into the machinery. The head is operated with the help of a motor, previously the head moved pneumatically. The robot is capable of blinking, rolling its eyes, shaking its head, sneezing, coughing, moving its tongue automatically and also indicate if it is tired of keeping its mouth open. The robot can mimic the gag reflex action when the student puts his fingers down its throat. The makers of the robot have also incorporated conversation capability in the robot.

The University was particular that the robot should be sold as a technology from Japan rather than by an individual organisation, which would require proper coordination between the government and organizations.