HiQ develops unique dental simulator

HiQ took part in a research project initiated by Forsslund Systems AB. The project was the creation of an oral surgery simulator, which is to be used by dental students in their practice of surgical procedures. The project is led by research engineer Jonas Forsslund, in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, KTH Innovation and HiQ. The simulator was introduced onto the market during the autumn of 2009, but had already before that been used with great success in the tuition of dental students at Karolinska Institutet.

The simulator is based on open source and haptic technologies. Haptic technologies interface with the user via their sense of touch, by means of a real time force feedback effect. A 3D Stereo image, reflecting from a semi-transparent mirror, provides the required optical illusion. Beneath the mirror is a robotic arm, referred to as a haptic pen, which transmits a force effect to a person’s hand, simulating the sensation that they are touching a real object. As a result, the user in question can feel vibrations, weight, structure, resistance and collisions in a completely virtual environment. Consequently, this technology offers the student the opportunity to experience the conditions of an actual operation, albeit in a virtual setting.

HiQ has vast experience developing advanced simulators, including those used in the training of air force pilots and combat vehicle personnel. HiQ have contributed to this project in terms of both software development and project management.

Forsslund Systems AB develops and supplies medical simulators based on open source development. Forsslund Systems’ first product, the Oral Surgery Simulator, was launched in the autumn of 2009. To read more about it, go to www.forsslundsystems.se

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http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/innovation/forskning_utveckling/article538901.ece

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