At the 2007 International Robot Exhibition, Kokoro Co., Ltd. exhibited its dental training robot, called Simuloid, as an example of applications for technology that can simulate human expressions, which Kokoro has developed through the manikin-type robot Actroid.

During a dental check-up, the robot simulates a patient, reacting through its voice and movements. When the check-up is over, the dental techniques used and the results of treatment to the patient are stored and reviewed.

The skin of the manikin’s face is very flexible, and the manikin can show reactions like those of real people. For example, it can close and open its eyes, which can also shine or turn dull. It can also blink and can raise its hands. In this way, the manikin can provide practice at responding suitably to patients’ reactions and expressions during treatment at a university dental department.

The software for the special-purpose computer in the chair unit was developed by J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation, and the tooth units and tooth sensors were developed by Nissin, Inc. and Tokyo Sensor Co., Ltd. Kokoro was in charge of building and controlling the parts of the manikin other than its teeth.

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