Grant: Collaborative Health Research Projects (NSERC partnered)

A robotic surgical system consists of a workstation, where the surgeon operates, and a surgical site, where the robotic arms execute the surgeon's commands. Providing proper commands by the surgeon for the surgical robot requires sensory feedback from the surgical site. The surgeon's interface, which is arguably the most integral part of any robot-assisted surgical system, is the link connecting the surgeon to their tools and environment, which can represent a significant challenge if not designed appropriately. Furthermore, it is important that this interface is transparent, intuitive and ergonomic, and streamlines the transition from conventional surgical technique to robotic surgery. For the surgeon to optimally control the robotic arms, sufficient sensory feedback is required from the surgical site. Visual and auditory data are readily reproduced at a remote workstation via cameras, monitors, speakers, and microphones. Reproducing the sense of touch remains a significant challenge. The lack of sufficient haptic feedback increases the risk of injury for patients. Sense of touch is a critical aspect of robotic surgery allowing tool-tissue interaction to be precise, accurate, safe, and intuitive. From a surgeon's perspective, the hand-controller must offer the highest quality to ensure the best possible interaction between the surgeon, the robot, and the patient. Therefore, the proposed research will develop a novel haptic hand- controller capable of providing enhanced tactile feedback not currently available in existing hand-controllers.