Considering the fact that the dental students of today have to do practical procedures on close, actually very close friends, or family, I do not know why robots for this purpose have not been invented yet. Well, it seems like the Japanese have done it again and developed the Hanako robot that is being used by students at the Showa University for regular tests.

The universities involved in the development of the Hanako patient robot are Showa, Waseda and Kogakuin, along with robot maker company Tmsuk. This robot simulates the way a patient on the dentist's chair behaves, while also delivering basic interaction with the future doctors.

It is, of course, limited in its actions compared with a human patient, but that doesn't mean Hanako cannot produce robotic saliva, sneeze, simulate vomiting reflexes, rolling its eyes or open and close its mouth. It is 157 cm tall and has the physical characteristics of a woman. According to Crunchgear, some examples of the phrases “she” can speak are “Please examine me!” or “That hurts!”

The main body of this robot was developed by Tmsuk and the universities helped design all its medical-related features. The gadget has nine joints, which allow it to move its neck and head in a human-like pattern. Also, the skin and tongue are made out of a special material resembling silicon, developed by Kyoto Science Co.

Thanks to sensors for touch and other human senses, the robot can produce reactions similar to those of real patients, sitting on the dentist’s chair, which help Japanese students perform realistic procedures. This way, they don't have to cause any pain to relatives or friends while trying to improve their technique.




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