Novices encounter initial challenges with the robotic simulator that improve with exposure
hand movements
Students experienced challenges upon initial exposure to the robotic simulator in three areas: (1) familiarity, (2) technical skills, and (3) visuospatial skills. These challenges framed subsequent experiences with home simulation.Many participants found it difficult to orient themselves to the robot and the tasks, as well as understanding the rules and goals of each exercise.“I would say at first the most challenging is just being intentional with all of my hand movements. I wasn’t fully cognizant of all the rules and also just conceptually figuring out how to use the clutch, when to use it, and how to orient yourself while you’re using it was a little bit tricky for me.” (Experimental Participant #18)Even after they became familiar with the simulator, the participants noted that they struggled with using the robot to perform the technical skills required to complete the SimNow tasks, including body positioning, instrument control, and needle handling. Concerning body positioning, students reported difficulties determining how they should orient their arms in physical space under the console of the machine to most effectively and comfortably complete each task on the simulator.“The first time it was hard to maintain both of the arms of the robot in a distance so they don't collide with themselves, that was challenging. I think I did that a couple times and…I was penalized.” (Control Participant #1)Regarding instrument control, most students specified they had initial difficulties with effectively using the clutch on the MTMs to complete the tasks.“Just getting used to the clutch was really hard. I usually forgot to engage the clutch and so I would twist myself into like 35 positions, which made it hard.” (Experimental Participant #27)Students also found needle handling difficult in their initial exposure to the robotic simulator.“I had a really hard time figuring out orientation for the needle…so that I could insert it correctly, and that it came out exactly where I wanted it to, because I would put the needle into the sponge and pretty much have no idea how to turn my hand or where it was basically in the surface.” (Control Participant #16)Students initially experienced challenges with their visuospatial skills, such as depth perception. Many students found it hard to perceive the environment through the VR robotic console and felt they did not have a precise idea of the movements they were making.“I feel like just getting used to the disconnect between what you’re seeing and then where your hands are, because not seeing your actual hands while you’re doing something.” (Control Participant #22)Participants in both the experimental and control groups identified that their abilities changed from the first SimNow session to the second SimNow session. During the second session, they were more familiar with the interface and activities, felt more comfortable with basic skills, and had improved understanding of the depth perception and use of visual cues.