Tiny Robot Transforms Dental Crown Procedures with Unmatched Precision

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a miniature robotic system to automate dental crown preparation. The device, named the Miniature Intraoral Robot (MIR), promises to simplify complex procedures and reduce patient visits. Its compact design allows it to fit comfortably inside the mouth during treatment. The MIR system measures just 43 by 26 by 28 millimetres, making it roughly the size of a wine cork. Its motors and control units sit outside the mouth, linked to the robot by flexible shafts, cables, and tubes. This setup ensures effective operation while overcoming the limited space inside the oral cavity.

The robot uses a custom dental splint to anchor securely to the patient’s teeth. This allows it to move in sync with natural head movements, integrating smoothly with digital dentistry workflows. During drilling, it applies forces below five newtons—about the weight of a half-litre water bottle—keeping the process safe and comfortable.

Laboratory tests confirm the system’s precision, with positional deviations staying under 0.2 millimetres. Current work involves embedding sensors and a miniature camera to provide real-time feedback and monitor treatment progress. The project is supported by Innosuisse, Switzerland’s innovation agency, and involves collaboration between engineers, clinicians, and industry partners, including the University of Zurich’s Center for Dentistry and Camlog Biotechnologies GmbH. The MIR system aims to make crown preparation faster and less intrusive. Its high accuracy and patient-friendly design could reduce the number of dental visits needed. The ongoing development focuses on enhancing its feedback capabilities for wider clinical use.