Robotic Dentistry System with Human-in-the-Loop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic dentistry systems lack integration of human dental expertise in tooth extraction and crown preparation processes, leading to potential misidentification and inaccuracies in tooth extraction and crown fit.
Innovation Solution
A robotic dentistry system that allows a dentist to confirm and adjust tooth extraction and reduction plans using a processor and user interface, enabling precise identification and preparation by presenting scanned images and plans for approval, and executing them using robotic tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated robotic systems are used for tooth extraction and crown preparation, then productivity and consistency are improved, but the ability to handle complex or unexpected dental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the robotic arm receives continuous guidance from the dentist through a user interface. The dentist can observe the robotic operations and provide real-time corrections or adjustments through the interface, ensuring that the robot executes procedures accurately while adapting to unexpected dental conditions. This feedback loop combines automated efficiency with human adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface acts as an intermediary between the dentist and the robotic system. It allows the dentist to control, monitor, and adjust the robotic arm's operations without directly manipulating the tools themselves. This intermediary interface enables the dentist to provide precise guidance and make real-time decisions based on patient-specific conditions, bridging the gap between automation and human expertise.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-programmed software algorithms are used to guide robotic dentistry processes, then manufacturing precision and consistency are improved, but the ability to adapt to individual patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-programmed algorithms to dynamic, real-time control. The user interface enables the dentist to adjust the robotic arm's movements, tools, and operations dynamically during each procedure based on the specific patient's anatomical variations and dental conditions. This dynamic control maintains precision while adapting to individual patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into modular components that can be independently adjusted. The user interface provides separate control parameters for different aspects of the robotic operations, allowing the dentist to precisely control specific movements or tool applications while maintaining overall procedural accuracy. This modular approach enables precise adaptation to individual patient conditions.
3Speed
If the dentist is limited to the initial design phase, then the automated process speed is maintained, but the ability to confirm and adjust extraction or reduction plans deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dentist's involvement continues throughout the entire procedural sequence rather than being limited to the design phase. The user interface is integrated into all stages of the robotic operation, allowing the dentist to confirm tooth identification, monitor real-time progress, and adjust parameters during execution. This continuous involvement maintains speed while significantly improving reliability through ongoing human oversight and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed are robotic dentistry methods comprising tooth extraction and crown preparation. Robotic tooth extraction may comprise determining if the correct tooth is targeted, based on a scanned image; determining a decay state of the tooth based on the scanned image; selecting an extraction technique determined as a function of the decay state; and extracting the tooth using the selected extraction technique. Robotic crown preparation may comprise receiving an initial reduction plan to reduce a tooth; presenting, to a dentist for approval, the initial reduction plan for approval; upon approval, reducing the tooth according to the approved initial reduction plan; upon rejection, modifying the initial reduction plan based on dentist input; receiving the modified reduction plan to reduce the tooth; presenting, to a dentist for approval, the modified reduction plan for approval; and upon approval of the modified reduction plan, reducing the tooth according to the approved modified reduction plan.