The PALPABLE consortium convened in Belgrade, Serbia, at the end of June, to review progress and chart the next steps for the development of the multi-sensing tool for minimally invasive surgery. Partners Tech Hive Labs (THL), Hellenic Mediterranean University, Medtronic,Bendabl, Università degli Studi di Torino, Fraunhofer HHI, The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Sofradim Production SASU, Queen Mary University of London, and University of Essex met after the 2025 EAES Annual Congress, which featured a PALPABLE showcase. The consortium welcomed Silvia Hernandez from Medtronic, who recently started her master’s thesis on the PALPABLE project. Silvia’s work will further reinforce the synergies between the industry, clinical and academic collaborators.

A review of advances across the research areas showcased important developments. Among the research discussed were different options for the technology to be used in the sensor, and the latest designs related to the control of the soft multiarticulate mechanism, presented by HMU. FRHHI presented the new waveguide and probe designs, along with the most recent measurements, and Medtronic updated partners on the development of the exploitation plan, with the support of the Commission-funded Booster service.

A highlight of the meeting was the screening and discussion of a demonstration video displaying the functions and integration of the PALPABLE tool’s various sensors, alongside an integration workshop. The final version of the video would be sent to the project’s expert reviewers. As with previous gatherings, partners left the meeting energised to achieve further progress and breakthroughs.