A multi-sensing tool for minimally invasive surgery aims to overcome current limitations by restoring tactile feedback through advanced robotic devices.
PALPABLE is a collaborative effort among leading European institutions and medical device companies aiming to develop a next-generation palpation device that integrates cutting-edge sensing, soft robotics, and AI.
Traditional laparoscopic and robotic surgeries often lack tactile feedback, which limits surgeons’ ability to accurately assess tissue properties.
This can increase the risk of tissue damage and impact confidence in the ability to detect abnormalities.
Addressing this important gap, PALPABLE is developing a soft robotic probe that mimics the sensitivity of a human fingertip, establishing itself as ‘an ideal robotic partner for Europe’s healthcare sector’.
The device features a flexible, steerable probe equipped with multiple sensing modalities, including optical sensors and curvature detectors.
Together, they measure tissue stiffness, size, and depth in real-time, generating intuitive maps to guide surgeons during procedures.
A specialised tactile membrane enhances sensitivity, while an innovative pneumatic actuation system enables precise navigation within difficult-to-reach areas.
Designed with practicality and cost-effectiveness in mind, the system utilises low-cost optical and pneumatic components.
Its detachable, disposable tip simplifies sterilisation procedures, facilitating easier integration into clinical workflows.
The system’s software processes sensor data in real time, providing surgeons with immediate tactile insights without disrupting surgical flow.
The PALPABLE project has been inspired and will be developed through its four-year lifetime by a transnational consortium of multiple partners.
• Greece is represented by Tech Hive Labs (THL), the project coordinator, the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) and Bendabl (BNDL).
• Spain is represented by Medtronic Iberica (MEDT).
• Italy is represented by the University of Turin (UNITO).
• The Netherlands are represented by The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).
• Germany is represented by the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (FRHHI).
• France is represented by Sofradim Production (SOF).
• The UK is represented by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the University of Essex (UESS).
Over its four-year development cycle, PALPABLE aims to bring this innovative technology from concept to clinical application.
The plan is to bridge the sensory gap that has long limited the effectiveness of robotic interventions.
On a global level, 310 million major surgeries are performed each year, with 20 million in Europe.
On the project website, they write: ‘By optimising the laparoscopic tools and processes, reduced invasiveness and operative time, as well as increased safety and functionality, could be achieved. Therefore, a deeper dive into soft robotics could be the answer to increased safety, dexterity and potentially reduced costs.’
