Robotics In Vivo: A Perspective on Human–Robot Interaction in Surgical Robotics

Abstract

This article reviews recent work on surgical robots that have been used or tested in vivo, focusing on aspects related to human–robot interaction. We present the general design requirements that should be considered when developing such robots, including the clinical requirements and the technologies needed to satisfy them. We also discuss the human aspects related to the design of these robots, considering the challenges facing surgeons when using robots in the operating room, and the safety issues of such systems. We then survey recent work in seven different surgical settings: urology and gynecology, orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, radiotherapy, and bronchoscopy. We conclude with the open problems and recommendations on how to move forward in this research area.