The field of medicine has always been a centerpiece in science fiction movies, portraying a future with advanced technologies including rapid healing, innovative limb transplants, and even enhancing human capabilities with integrated mechanical pieces. However, in reality, progress in this field has been relatively slow. While most innovations have focused on enhancing diagnostic capabilities, artificial intelligence has remained as an assistant without providing a real diagnosis.
At the University of Pennsylvania, researchers Dr. Hyun Koo and Edward Steager are leading efforts to change this reality by developing precise robots called “Microbots” capable of efficiently cleaning teeth like never before. This innovation represents a new step in the field of dentistry, with the robots being able to perform tasks such as removing plaques, cleaning teeth, and treating minor dental diseases.
These small robots rely on a magnetic steering device that controls their movements precisely inside the mouth. The device is directed towards the targeted area, allowing the robots to execute programmed tasks such as cleaning teeth or treating related issues.
The innovation doesn’t stop there, as these robots are made of extremely fine iron oxide particles, a safe material used in food and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These particles, which come together to form the robots inside the mouth, can be consumed by the patient without any complications.
One promising application of this technology is integrating the robots with a special toothpaste used with a brush designed specifically for this purpose. The robots can be directed using a magnetic device similar to a mouthguard, making it easier to reach areas that are hard to clean using traditional methods.
Initial experiments on the precise robots have shown remarkable results. In one experiment, the team used a 3D model simulating the structure of human teeth, where the robots successfully cleaned the teeth with a sterilization rate of 100% compared to traditional methods. The experiments on animals also demonstrated the robots’ ability to reduce bacteria by up to 80%.
The robots are not significantly expensive, with their cost being close to that of an electric toothbrush. Although cleaning may take up to 10 minutes in some cases, the team is working on improving this time to provide a more efficient experience.
The innovation primarily aims to provide innovative cleaning solutions for individuals with mobility challenges, reducing pollution rates and oral injuries. This development also opens the door to future uses in other areas, such as removing microbes from the digestive or respiratory system, and potentially extending to performing simple surgeries and sterilizing wounds in the future.
Human trials on the precise robots will begin soon, and as this technology approaches commercial availability, we may witness a new revolution in the fields of dentistry and medical robotics. Will the future see robots taking over the roles of doctors?
