Colgate-Palmolive Company
System and method for assessing toothbrush effectiveness

Abstract:

In one embodiment, the invention can be a system for determining toothbrush effectiveness, the system comprising a data capture subsystem comprising at least one sensor and configured to generate brushing data during a participant brushing session directed entirely by the participant. A brushing simulation subsystem includes a robotic arm configured to hold a toothbrush, and receive from at least one processor instructions for a motion to be carried out by the robotic arm. The motion of the robotic arm causes the toothbrush to carry out an automated brushing session upon the artificial teeth, the motion of the robotic arm being based on the brushing data captured during the participant brushing session. The at least one processor is further configured to determine an effectiveness of the toothbrush based on the substance determined to be removed from artificial teeth during an automated brushing session.