Abstract: A voice controlled surgical suite is provided for controlling a plurality of surgical apparatus by a single human. The system includes a voice recognition device adapted to recognize a plurality of predetermined speech commands from a single human and to generate a corresponding set of command output signals. A surgical table is operatively connected with the voice recognition device and is responsive to a first set of the command output signals to initiate selected surgical table movements. A surgical lighthead is similarly connected with the voice recognition system and is responsive to a second set of the command output signals to initiate selected surgical lighthead operations. In addition, surgical camera and task light devices are included in the system and are responsive to fourth and third sets of command output signals, respectively, generated by the voice recognition device to initiate selected surgical camera and surgical task light operations.

Abstract: A robotic medical system that provides a visual indication of the force exerted by an end effector of the system. The end effector is coupled to a robotic arm that is controlled by a handle. The end effector is inserted through an incision of a patient to perform a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon can view the procedure on a screen that is coupled to an endoscope also inserted into the patient. The visual indicator may be a bar graph displayed on the screen. The bar graph has individual bar segments that are illuminated in accordance with the amplitude of the force exerted by the end effector. The visual force indicator provides a high resolution force feedback system for the instrument end effector.