PALPABLE Project

PALPABLE aspires to develop a next-generation palpation tool for identifying and visualising tissue abnormalities in minimally invasive surgeries (MIS). The system combines cutting-edge technologies using advanced optical sensing, soft robotics, and artificial intelligence to bring back the surgeon's sense of touch, and enable tissue characterisation based on depth, size and stiffness.

At the heart of the technology is a flexible probe equipped with multiple sensing modalities. The system emphasises both practicality and affordability through its use of low-cost optical and pneumatic components. Its design features a detachable probe tip that can be disposed of after use, eliminating the need for complex sterilisation procedures. 

The project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme.