Special-Purpose Doll

1.Dental Training Robot “Showa Hanako 2”

Simulating Real Treatments

Orient Industry is known not only for crafting love dolls, but also for contributing to cutting-edge technologies in medical education. One such project is “Showa Hanako 2”, a dental patient robot used primarily in clinical training at university hospitals.

Developed by Showa University and the robotics company Tmsuk Co., Ltd., with sculpting handled by Orient Industry, Showa Hanako 2 was the first dental patient robot in the world to be integrated into a clinical curriculum, beginning in April 2011 at Showa University’s School of Dentistry.

Dental students gain extensive academic and technical knowledge, but they rarely have opportunities to interact with real patients during training. This limited experience becomes a challenge because actual patients move unpredictably and may respond reflexively – sometimes involuntarily – which can lead to medical errors.

By practicing on a robot that reacts like a living human being, students are able to simulate real treatment scenarios and develop the ability to prevent and respond to clinical complications.

Realism Brings Presence

Showa Hanako 2 is impressively lifelike, far removed from what one might expect a robot to look like. Reclining in a dental chair, she resembles a young woman. The choice of a female model is deliberate, intended to foster awareness of sensitive patient interaction, such as contact with the chest area during treatment.

Professor Kotaro Ne of Showa University’s Faculty of Dentistry explains:

“Some might say the robot’s face doesn’t matter, but the realism creates a sense of presence that is vital. Doctors and students can practice with the same tension they feel when treating a real person.”

A mechanical or artificial-looking robot would only result in training against a machine. By pushing the boundaries of realism, students engage with Hanako as if she were a living patient.
This sense of presence, of treating an actual person, is essential for developing genuine dental skills.

Replicating Real Patient Reactions

Thanks to advanced robotics, Showa Hanako 2 can mimic a wide range of human reactions.

• Before treatment begins, she may say things like “Please don’t hurt me too much.”
• When asked to open her mouth, she complies.
• During treatment, her tongue may move on its own.
• She might grimace and say “It hurts,” or flinch her face.
• If an instrument touches the back of her throat, she might turn her head away reflexively or simulate a gag reflex.
• She may cough or sneeze mid-treatment.
• When in pain, she raises her left hand.
• Her eyes blink at regular intervals.
• If her mouth remains open for an extended period, she shows signs of jaw fatigue.

These are all realistic responses of actual dental patients, and experienced dentists who have observed her reactions are often astonished by the authenticity.

Additionally, her pulse can be measured at the wrist, a feature designed to simulate checking vital signs if the patient begins to feel unwell during a procedure.
All of these functions are controlled by an instructor via a touchscreen interface.

Compared to the original “Showa Hanako,” version 2 is more lightweight and realistic, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of 56 kg, closely approximating the physique of a real woman. Beyond realism and robotics performance, improvements have also been made in maintenance, durability, and replacement of consumable parts.

Since its launch, Showa Hanako 2 has drawn attention not only from within Japan but also from universities and medical manufacturers around the world, with international visitors frequently touring the facility and global sales steadily expanding.

2.”Tome-san”: Elderly Care Training Doll

A Proposal for Caregiving Practice

Japan has entered a super-aged society, where the reality is that many people can no longer live independently as they grow older. Supporting this aging population is the caregiving industry, which continues to grow as more individuals pursue national certifications such as certified care workers.

With the goal of assisting those working in the medical and caregiving fields, Orient Industry developed “Tome-san”, a training doll specifically designed for elderly care practice and skills training.

A Realistically Modeled, High-Functionality Doll

Unlike standard dolls, Tome-san features the natural appearance and body shape of an elderly person.
Her body is made from soft, flexible silicone that closely mimics the texture of human skin. An internally developed skeletal structure by Orient Industry allows her to assume a wide range of natural, realistic postures.

She can be used for a variety of caregiving training scenarios, including:

• Lifting and repositioning
• Sitting up assistance
• Transfers from bed to wheelchair and from wheelchair to bath unit
• Bed linen changes and other routine movements

Due to her substantial weight, Tome-san provides a simulation experience that closely mirrors real-life caregiving.
She is also highly effective as a demonstration dummy at welfare-related events, such as showcasing wheelchairs or elderly bathing units.

Her fully integrated silicone body is waterproof, allowing for bathing assistance training using soap or detergent.
Thanks to her waste elimination system, she can also be used for practicing tasks like cleaning up excrement or changing diapers, supporting realistic training in hygiene and toileting care.

Fostering a Sense of Compassion

What truly matters in caregiving is empathy – considering the feelings of those receiving care and responding with kindness and respect.
As with the previously mentioned “Showa Hanako 2”, a sense of realism is essential in caregiving training.

When trainees interact with Tome-san, she feels as if a real elderly woman is present. This realistic presence naturally encourages caregivers-in-training to approach with genuine compassion and attentiveness, as they would with an actual senior.

By using a doll that goes beyond a simple model and offers true-to-life realism, trainees can engage in more meaningful, effective caregiving practice – building both skills and empathy.