A robotic jaw to give dentists something to chew on

Estimated to be completed by next February is the first prototype of a robotic jaw that will provide a wide range of applications in medical and food technology. Suggested uses for the jaw include the study of response of dental implants in the chewing of different foods and to evaluate the impact of impaired dentition on chewing efficiency.

Development of the robotic jaw is being led by Dr. John Bronlund and Associate Professor Peter Xu of New Zealands Massey University who have been subcontracted by the Institute of Engineering and Technology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. It is part of a larger project in Aucklands Bioengineering Institute.

The larger project involves the mathematic modeling of the muscles of the human face in order to reproduce jaw movement through muscle contraction. Needed is information on jaw muscle mechanics used for biting and chewing.

Dr. Xu notes that the project is a fine example of multidisciplinary research, involving creative mechatronics, food technology and biomechanics. For example, data on the shape of the jaw and teeth has been contributed to the project from another universitys School of Dentistry.

The robotic jaw has been designed to accommodate a variety of teeth, ranging from sharp, pointy such as those of a six year old, through adult worn molars.