Summary
A surgeon has used a SonyPlayStationcontroller to perform a surgical procedure. The impressive feat combines a delicate procedure with a widely accessiblePlayStationcontroller, and has the potential to change the future of surgery.
While the vast majority of game controllers get used for their intended purpose, sometimes controllers are used for things other than gaming. One famous example of this is thegame controller that was used to pilot the ill-fated Titan submarine. While that historical moment ended in tragedy, this use of a gaming controller could someday save lives.
A surgeon in Switzerland has officially completed an endoscopic procedure using a PlayStation Move controller. According tothe report, the procedure was performed on a pig located in Hong Kong, with 5,780 miles between the surgeon and the subject. The endoscopy was performed utilizing a robotic surgical system that can be controlled remotely which was connected to a direct WebSocket protocol for real-time data transfer. The surgeon did everything while watching a video feed and using thePlayStation Move controllerto control the robot’s actions, all while maintaining a latency of 300 milliseconds or less.
Prior Attempts Used a Different PlayStation Controller
Although the PlayStation Move controller was used for this particular procedure, thePlayStation 5 DualSense controllerhas been utilized in prior attempts. It’s not clear if the surgeon prefers one over the other. It’s possible that the handling of the PlayStation Move controller may be more similar to what a surgeon would normally use to control one of these robotic surgical devices, and may feel more comfortable or natural for them.
The potential for this technology is impressive. Many endoscopic and surgical procedures in general are already performed with the assistance of robotic devices, which allows extreme precision. In some cases, these robotic methods allow surgeons to perform procedures with smaller incisions and far less trauma to the body, improving recovery time and reducing the risk of complications. The hope is that this existing technology could be done remotely, allowing surgeons to perform both life-saving procedures and routine ones without being physically located near the patient. This could allow doctors to save lives in places where on-site medical personnel are limited, or there’s no one available with particular expertise.
Getting to the point where remote surgical procedures could take a while, as maintaining an excellent internet connection is an absolute necessity. However, the fact that the technology is already working well and that the delicate and precise movements can be controlled by something as accessible and relativelyaffordable as a PlayStation controlleris genuinely impressive.
Sony PlayStation DualSense Controller
The Sony PlayStation Dualsense Wireless Controller represents the next generation of PlayStation gaming with its clean design, stylish RGB lighting, and high-performance specs. Designed for the PS5, this wireless PlayStation controller has advanced haptic feedback, triggers that adapt to each game, a built-in microphone, and a convenient headset jack.
