Evaluation of command modes of an assistance robot for middle ear surgery

Abstract

RobOtol is a micro-surgical tele operated system designed to assist middle ear surgery. A new prototype, with an improved controller system and mechanical enhancement is presented. Surgeons and engineers evaluated the robot by tasks specific to middle ear surgery with two command modes (position-velocity and position-position) and by questionnaires. There was no prevailing command mode. A human robot interface was developed to offer easy and fast intra operative adaptation of the command mode to surgeons' preferences and specific situations.