Swinburne invests in AI-driven dental technology

Swinburne University of Technology announced on Sunday an investment in H3D, supporting the commercialisation of AI-driven technology for dental devices based on research conducted at the university.

H3D, which has already transformed the audio manufacturing industry by automating the design of custom hearing aids and related products, will now expand its cloud-based AI Computer-Aided Design service to dental laboratories worldwide.

The technology was developed through PhD research at Swinburne by Dr Philip Kinsella, who now serves as H3D’s Chief Technology Officer. This latest investment follows Swinburne’s initial support of the company in 2019.

“Swinburne is at the forefront of innovation, committed to transforming industries through cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking research. By investing in H3D, we’re excited to support their AI-driven solutions as they reshape dental and audio manufacturing at scale,” said Dr Werner van der Merwe, Swinburne’s Vice-President of Innovation and Enterprise.

H3D’s new dental service will add support to its AI technology for designing dental models, custom trays and splints, with plans for further expansion. The company’s existing technology already produces over one million annual custom hearing aid earmolds, noise protection earplugs, and in-ear monitors globally.

H3D CEO Iain McLeod said the investment marks an exciting milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to transforming manufacturing industries.

“This investment from Swinburne has allowed us to accelerate our software development, which involves a combination of AI, 3D and Cloud technologies,” McLeod said.

The company is also developing a 3D smartphone ear scanning app, currently being used by select consumer brands, with plans to eventually enable customers to self-scan at home.

Picture: credit Swinburne University