Comparative learning curves of robotic and laparoscopic skills in a simulated task-based model

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has transformed surgical practice, with laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches offering distinct advantages. However, comparative data on their early learning curves are limited. This prospective observational study evaluated the learning trajectories of laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted platforms using a standardized bean-picking task. Twelve participants (attending surgeons, trainees, and medical students) performed 10 trials with each hand on both platforms. Task completion time was the primary outcome. Paired t-tests compared mean times between platforms and hands, while power regression and mixed-effects models assessed learning trends and platform-trial interactions. The robotic platform consistently demonstrated shorter task times across dominant, non-dominant, and total hand measures compared with laparoscopy (all p < 0.01). Laparoscopic performance showed a significant dominance effect (dominant-hand vs. non-dominant-hand, p = 0.008), which was not observed in robotic trials (p = 0.101). Over repeated trials, task completion times decreased on both platforms; however, the platform-trial interactions were not statistically significant for dominant-hand, non-dominant-hand, or total task completion time. The robotic platform was associated with shorter task completion times and a smaller hand-dominance effect during this simulated task. Both platforms demonstrated improvement with repeated practice, although the rates of improvement did not differ significantly between platforms. These findings suggest an early performance advantage with the robotic platform, while further studies are needed to clarify differences in longer-term learning trajectories.