Published in: Forum Agenda, 12. August 2024

1. Robot dentist performs first fully automated procedure

The first fully automated dental procedure on a human has been completed in Barranquilla, Colombia. US-based company Perceptive used a robotic arm, artificial intelligence and 3D imaging to complete the work.

Its suite of technologies scanned the patient’s mouth, analyzed the data and used a series of tools to complete the dentistry, the Independent reports.

While robotic surgery is widely used in other areas of medicine, Perceptive’s dental procedure was a world-first. Image: Perceptive

“We’re excited to successfully complete the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure,” Dr Chris Ciriello, CEO and founder of Perceptive, said in a statement. “This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures, and democratizes access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes.”

While the start-up expects regulatory approval in the US to take several years, it says it can replace crowns in around 15 minutes, compared with the two hours it takes most dentists.

2. NASA astronauts face more delays to return home after private space travel milestone

Two NASA astronauts in orbit continue to face delays to their return home following technical faults on Boeing’s Starliner ‘Calypso’ capsule.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams travelled to the International Space Station in June and were initially scheduled to spend just over a week onboard. However, after two months, the pair remain in orbit with no return date set.

The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which partners the US space agency with American private industry and has seen investment in multiple companies to support transportation to and from the International Space Station.

The space economy is expected to be worth $1.8 trillion by 2035, with space-based and/or enabled technologies such as communications; positioning, navigation and timing; and Earth observation services expected to be the key drivers of this growth, according to the World Economic Forum’s report ‘Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth’.

A broader set of investors – including state and non-state actors – are investing in space, with investments reaching all-time highs of more than $70 billion invested in 2021 and 2022.

The USA is leading on both investment in and number of space companies. Image: SpaceTech Analytics

With Boeing still looking to identify the root cause of faults that affected Calypso’s thrusters, the astronauts may need to travel back to an alternative craft, such as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

Speaking to CNBC, a Boeing spokesman said the company “remain confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with crew”.

He added: “We are supporting NASA’s requests for additional data, analysis and data reviews to affirm the spacecraft’s safe undocking and landing capabilities.”

While they faced technical difficulties and helium leaks during the docking, it was seen as a key milestone in private space travel.

3. In brief: Other tech stories to know

Tesla will begin using humanoid robots in its factories next year, according to CEO Elon Musk. He unveiled the Optimus prototype in 2022 and has stated that the car company will put “genuinely useful humanoid robots in low production for Tesla internal use next year and, hopefully, high production for other companies in 2026”, The Guardian reports.

Toyota has revealed plans to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Fukuoka, Japan to supply batteries for its luxury car division, Lexus.

4. More on technology from the Forum

As the metaverse evolves, comprehensively understanding identity is crucial for its potential to revolutionize how people interact and express themselves digitally, facilitating a space that respects privacy, security and human rights. Read more here.

Innovators need to learn to explain and sell the value of the technology they’re developing, argues Thomas Crampton, Co-Founder, Crampton Blackie Partners. He explores four ways innovators and entrepreneurs can engage more effectively with investors. Find out more here.

2025 will mark 100 years of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs based on quantum mechanics. With a second century of quantum development on the horizon, two quantum experts explore how governments, civil society and the private sector can collaborate to ensure inclusive and equitable advances. Learn more here.

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Image: DALL-E 3