Advancing Dental Care with Soft Robotics: Materials, Applications, and Future Directions

Akanksha Awasthi -, Geetanjali Singh, Archana Nagpal, Rajeev Gupta

The rapidly developing field of soft robotics uses bioinspired, flexible, and compliant materials to create robotic devices that may safely and adaptably interact with biological tissues. In contrast to conventional rigid robots, they emulate the characteristics of human muscles, tendons, and tissues. Soft robotics offers promising options for automation, minimally invasive procedures, and improved prosthodontic treatments that focuses on improving the comfort, adaptability, and functionality of dental and prosthetic devices. Historically, rigid mechanical devices intended for automated milling and implant insertion have been the main focus of robotics integration in dentistry. However, the flexibility and biocompatibility of these systems are limited. By utilizing materials like shape-memory polymers, elastomers, and bio-hydrogels, soft robotics enables more delicate and accurate interactions with oral tissues. The goal of this review is to investigate recent breakthroughs in soft robotic technology for dental applications, analyze current challenges and evaluate future outlooks in the field.