Touch is fundamental to almost all human interaction with the world and other humans, yet it is an under exploited aspect of human computer interaction. Haptics is the study of how humans physically interact with the world around them and haptic devices allow physical interaction with computer simulations. There are many potential uses for haptics: education, training, rehabilitation, entertainment, disability access (visual and motor impairments), creativity and communication. Advanced haptic interfaces are beginning to transition from research to to commercial applications but many challenges remain before they can be practically used in daily life. Generic Robotics Ltd. are experts in Haptic interfaces and have partnered with the internationally renowned Dental Institute at King’s College London to explore the application of haptics in the training of dentists.

This project will create the first commercial simulator for training dental injections. Student’s the world over currently learn these techniques by practicing on each other. However, this approach is now being phased out due to ethical concerns and also, even if practiced on humans, there is very opportunity for detailed learning as objective feedback on the performance of the task (e.g. proximity to the target nerve) is lacking. Generic Robotics’ core IP is in haptics, a technology which adds realistic touch feedback to computers. By combining haptics with sophisticated real-time computer graphics it is possible to realistically recreate the visual and tactile sensations arising during clinical procedures. By developing this technology for this specific application it will allow us to create an innovative solution to a global training need. The principle aim of the project is to develop a commercial prototype of a dental injection training simulation platform which works and looks sufficiently like a finished product that it can be demonstrated to potential customers and tested by them without support. However, dental injection is the first target application/market of many which the product will be applied to once developed as part of a novel disruptive business plan in clinical simulation. The secondary aim is to achieve a commercial prototype platform which is general purpose enough to support any small manual skills training application. The principle objectives of the project are: * To develop our core IP in haptic simulation to a commercial ready level of quality and robustness * To complete the product design of a desktop simulator for training injection procedures * To develop our haptic interface hardware (electronics & mechanics) to a commercial ready level of quality and robustness * To investigate and pursue IP protection * Complete rigorous testing with real users * Identify routes to market and steps necessary to bring the prototype to market

Developing and evaluating a prototype haptically enabled computer simulator system for facial injection training, focussing on the procedures related to Botox injection and dermal fillers.

Haptics (touch interaction with computers) is an emerging technology which has great potential to revolutionise clinical training by allowing trainees to practice procedures in a reslistic way, repeatedly and a safely. Generic Robotics is developing haptically enabled simulation for clinical training and with innovateUK support is bring products to market. The study is an oportunity to test the feasibility of applying a new type of control system to our haptic interfaces which, if successful, has the potential to significantly widen the the potential uses for our technology as well as making uptake of clinical training a much more viable prospect for training institutions world wide.

Computers are often used to allow students to experiment with concept. However the interactions are essentially on a flat touch interface such as the Apple iphone (often considered as the state-of-the-art). In contrast we live in a 3D world so, for example, when we chop a carrot, each hand needs to control spatial forces, torques, positions and orientation. Representing similar activities in computer simulations has largely been restricted to medical education where a surgeon can practice their skills in a virtual world before he or she is allowed near a patient. Recently work has showed the need for a high quality haptic device in education and Generic Robotics has demonstrated how this can be achieved at an acceptable cost. Success of such a haptic device would enhance scientific education in UK schools and universities as well as creating opportunities for other UK business.