The challenge of human factors within surgical environments

Robotics is increasingly changing the way we interact with our devices and will increasingly do so in the future. One key area where robotics has been making an impact is within surgery. Today it is estimated that today... [ view full abstract ]

Robotics is increasingly changing the way we interact with our devices and will increasingly do so in the future. One key area where robotics has been making an impact is within surgery.

Today it is estimated that today 90% of prostate removals are carried out robotically. This involves using robotic arms controlled by a surgeon who sits remotely behind a video screen, distant from the patient while operating the machines robotic arms. The role of human factors is extremely important for these devices, not least because the surgeon is separated from the patient, potentially geographically.

The advantages are that robots don’t get tired, that they are more precise and are less prone to human error. But the user challenges are huge. Amongst the challenges are safety and precision, and physical and visual limitations on the surgeon. Surgeons’ visual, tactile and motor skills are altered and voice control / haptic control are being used to replicate surgical interactions.

Traditionally user interfaces and control systems for critical applications have been located in close proximity to their intended uses. Robotic systems promote the idea of remote operation but this presents specific usability challenges in the surgical space.

HF is perhaps the most important discipline and is ideally placed to understand and document user requirements within these usage scenarios and address use error risks.