More than 20 surgeries have recently been completed by headset-wearing surgeons at UC San Diego Health

As a result, most surgeons report experiencing discomfort while performing minimal-access surgery, a 2022 study found. About one-fifth of surgeons polled said they would consider retiring early because their pain was so frequent and uncomfortable. A good mixed-reality headset, then, might allow a surgeon to look at a patient’s surgical area and, without looking up, virtual screens that show them the laparoscopy camera and a patient’s vitals.

  • @[email protected]English
    8•27 days ago

    I don’t think price is that big of a deal for a factory, really. The machine that worker in using probably costs a hell of a lot more than $3.5k, and in most cases even basic parts/repairs are going to cost that much.

    • VanthEnglish
      8•27 days ago

      It’s not just the $3.5k cost of a headset. There are recurring costs to maintain the headsets. Even larger than that is cost of converting existing work instructions into the virtual environment and maintaining them. Plus expect push back from some workers, possibly losing some to other companies. And if it’s a union shop, expect them to use the change as leverage in next negotiations.

      I would absolutely require more money to strap a chunk of electronics to my face for 8+ hours a workday.

      • @captainlezbianEnglish
        1•26 days ago

        Also you need to provide evidence it’s better than training. I imagine there would be a ton of engineering labor involved in making programs to make it work and that’s not cheap