LAPAROSCOPIC VISUAL-FIELD - VOICE VS FOOT PEDAL INTERFACES FOR CONTROL OF THE AESOP ROBOT

Background: In order for robotic devices to be introduced successfully into surgical practice, the development of transparent surgeon/machin e interfaces is critical. Methods: This study evaluated the standard f oot pedal for the AESOP robot compared to a voice control interface. S peed, accuracy, learning curves, durability of learning at 2 weeks, an d operator-interface failures were analyzed in an ex vivo model. Resul ts: Foot control was faster and had less operator-interface failures. Voice control was more accurate as measured by ''pass points.'' The fo ot control learning curve reached a plateau at the third trial, while the voice control did not fully plateau. Durability of learning favore d the foot control but was not significantly different. Conclusions: C urrently, the voice control is more accurate and has the advantage of not requiring the surgeon to look away from the operative field. Howev er, it is slower and may require more attention as an interface. As vo ice recognition software continues to advance, speed and transparency are anticipated to improve.