Wrist-Squeezing Force Feedback Improves Accuracy and Speed in Robotic Surgery Training

Sergio Machaca, Eric Cao, Amy Chi, Gina Adrales, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Jeremy D. Brown

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Current robotic minimally invasive surgery (RMIS) platforms provide surgeons with no haptic feedback of the robot's physical interactions. This limitation forces surgeons to rely heavily on visual feedback and can make it challenging for surgical trainees to manipulate tissue gently. Prior research has demonstrated that haptic feedback can increase task accuracy in RMIS training. However, it remains unclear whether these improvements represent a fundamental improvement in skill, or if they simply stem from re-prioritizing accuracy over task completion time. In this study, we provide haptic feedback of the force applied by the surgical instruments using custom wrist-squeezing devices. We hypothesize that individuals receiving haptic feedback will increase accuracy (produce less force) while increasing their task completion time, compared to a control group receiving no haptic feedback. To test this hypothesis, N=21 novice participants were asked to repeatedly complete a ring rollercoaster surgical training task as quickly as possible. Results show that participants receiving haptic feedback apply significantly less force (0.67 N) than the control group, and they complete the task no faster or slower than the control group after twelve repetitions. Furthermore, participants in the feedback group decreased their task completion times significantly faster (7.68 %) than participants in the control group (5.26 %). This form of haptic feedback, therefore, has the potential to help trainees improve their technical accuracy without compromising speed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBioRob 2022 - 9th IEEE RAS/EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
ISBN (Electronic)9781665458498
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes
Event9th IEEE RAS/EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2022 - Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Duration: Aug 21 2022Aug 24 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics
Volume2022-August
ISSN (Print)2155-1774

Conference

Conference9th IEEE RAS/EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2022
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CitySeoul
Period8/21/228/24/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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