Scenario-based interaction and cooperation patterns of sensorimotor assistance systems for synergistic surgical robots (SIKA-Surg)

• Applicants: Professorin Dr.-Ing. Verena Nitsch; Professor Dr.-Ing. Klaus Radermacher
• Subject Area: Human Factors, Ergonomics, Human-Machine Systems ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541052141

In surgical robotics various solutions including semi-active, synergistic as well as active systems for any different applications are available today. However, each application is associated with different requirements and risks, leading to a large number of different implementations. Modular system architecture already have been proven its benefits regarding e.g. mechanical system design considering different requirements for workspace, size, dynamics, degrees of freedom, payload and application specific requirements. Consequently, modular system design should also be possible from a functional point of view, enabling a flexible selection of different modes of control depending on the specific requirements of each application or intraoperative situation. Regarding modular system design in the context of the actual trend towards open and modular networks in the operating room, this potentially could foster flexible systems with enhanced flexibility, benefit-to-cost ratios and therefore availability of surgical robotics. However, for a modular integration and optimized human-machine-interaction, knowledge on benefits and risks of different modes of control or levels of automation respectively in different use scenarios and sequences of interaction is mandatory. For the cooperative guidance of surgical robots for machining of bone structures in the domains of orthopaedic and neurosurgery, exemplary practical applications of different patterns of interaction using multi-modal information are known. However, research in cognitive ergonomics points out, that the effectiveness of multi-modal stimuli strongly depends on its implementation and context of use. For an efficient implementation of modular multi-modal user interfaces, approaches towards a reduction of the complexity of interdependencies have to be developed and evaluated have to regarding its impact on usability. The objectives of this project are to identify secure, scenario based parameterized interaction patterns for human machine interaction using multi-modal user interfaces exemplified for motion control of synergistic surgical robotics for bone surgery and to analyse its impact of the task performance of the operator. The aim is to develop a catalogue of scenario based parametric interaction profiles, enabling a systematic design of cooperative sensomotoric assistance systems for surgical robotics under special consideration of the requirements of an integrated risk management. Experimental platforms will be used to evaluate the impact of the interaction patterns in different application specific contexts of use.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants