Evaluating robotic actions: spatiotemporal brain dynamics of performance assessment in robot-assisted laparoscopic training

This study investigates the neural dynamics associated with evaluating optimal and suboptimal robotic actions during a robot-assisted laparoscopic simulation using electroencephalography (EEG). Sixteen participants observed simulated laparoscopic procedures and mentally assessed the quality of robotic actions. Analyses revealed three distinct spatiotemporal brain dynamics differentiating the evaluation of optimal versus suboptimal robotic actions. An enhanced left fronto-temporal current source, consistent with P300, LPP, and P600 components, indicated heightened attentional allocation and sustained evaluation processes during suboptimal robot actions. Additionally, amplified current sinks in right frontal and mid-occipito-parietal regions suggested prediction-based processing and conflict detection, consistent with the oERN and interaction-based ERN/N400. These findings provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying performance assessment in robot-assisted surgical training.

Frontiers in Neuroergonomics