Abstract
A handy switch interface has been developed to allow a single surgeon in a sterilized area to control a locally operated forceps manipulator with five-DOFs. The proposed ergonomic interface is designed based on the size and the moving area of human hand, and the two-point discrimination threshold of gloved finger. Three prototypes made by a 3D printer were a double trigger type, a separate type and a cross-shaped push type. They could be attached to commercial forceps and be pushed some switches at a time. The control time and the assignment of switches were evaluated while performing a task model approved by the ethics committee at Osaka Institute of Technology.
