Swiss Researchers Develop Mini Robot to Prepare Teeth for Crowns

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a miniature dental robot designed to assist in preparing teeth for crowns, marking a potential breakthrough in robotic dentistry.

The prototype, named MIR, is roughly the size of a wine cork and is built to precisely grind teeth before crown fitting. The system aims to automate parts of the preparation process that are traditionally performed manually by dentists.

According to the University of Basel, the innovation could significantly streamline dental treatments. In the current process, patients often require multiple visits before a crown is fitted. With this new system, a digital scan could be used to create a treatment plan, allowing the robot to shape the tooth more efficiently and reduce waiting times for crown production.

The device is mounted on a custom-fitted dental splint, while its motors and control systems remain outside the mouth. Flexible shafts and cables connect the external unit to the intraoral robot, enabling precise movement during operation.

So far, the system has only been tested on artificial tooth models. However, early results show promising accuracy, with the robot achieving precision within less than 0.2 millimetres, according to the research team.

Future versions of the system are expected to include integrated sensors and a camera. These enhancements will allow the robot to continuously monitor its position and adjust its actions in real time, improving safety and precision during dental procedures.

Researchers also aim to ensure that the system remains compact, even as more advanced technology is added. Project leader Georg Rauter noted that future upgrades could allow the robot to remember its position and resume work even after interruptions such as a power cut.

The project has been developed in collaboration with dental experts and industry partners, with funding support from the Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse. While still in the experimental stage, the technology highlights Switzerland’s growing role in advanced medical robotics and digital healthcare innovation.