Unveil the world's first remote palpation system that realizes Contact Reality
- Demonstration tests and an international symposium will be held on March 1st, Contributing to the realization of remote medical care through Tactile Feedback across borders -
March 4, 2025
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
Nagoya University
National University Hospital, Singapore
news release posted on February 21, 2025
As part of NEDO's "Innovative Remote Technology Development Project Utilizing Artificial Intelligence" (hereafter referred to as "this project"), Nagoya University (Tokai National Higher Education and Research System) and Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. have developed and unveiled the world's first remote palpation system prototype specialized for forearm diseases. This system leverages human interaction in virtual space and will be used in a demonstration experiment between the National University Hospital of Singapore (NUH) and Nagoya University Hospital.
This project defines Contact Reality (CR) as the replication of physical contact between people in a virtual space, not only transmitting information gained through touch but also incorporating psychological effects arising from human interaction. By applying CR technology, the development of a palpation system has been advanced. The project has specifically targeted the orthopedic field, where palpation is essential for accurate diagnosis, focusing on pain and joint abnormalities in the forearm and wrist. Devices and systems for remote palpation have been developed and tested through clinical trials, confirming the feasibility of effective remote palpation.
Using the developed devices, a public demonstration of the remote palpation system will be held between Nagoya University Hospital and the National University Hospital of Singapore, facilitated by an academic exchange agreement between the two universities. An international symposium will also be held to present the findings.
1．Development Background and Results
The rapid adoption of online systems during the COVID-19 pandemic paradoxically highlighted the importance and enjoyment of face-to-face interactions. This was particularly evident in the medical field, where remote consultations offer convenience but also present significant challenges, particularly the inability to physically touch patients for accurate diagnosis.
Against this backdrop, since the 2021 fiscal year, Nagoya University and Toyoda Gosei have been working on the development of a remote palpation system utilizing Contact Reality as part of the NEDO project*1.
Following a theoretical examination of the role of palpation in neuroscience and its effects on patients (Figure 1), the project developed key components, including:
- Tactile Transmission Actuators (e-Rubber*2): Materials with properties similar to human skin.
- Palpation Manipulator: A device that allows precise patient contact based on the physician’s palpation intent.
- Fingertip Integrated Sensor: Incorporating six ultra-compact 6-axis force sensors and an e-Rubber sensor, enabling delicate tactile pressure measurement.
- Haptic I/O Doll: Captures the physician’s palpation intent.
- Transparent Display: Enhances the sense of presence of the remote physician.
(See Figure 2)
This system was showcased at CES2024*3, where it received positive feedback for its completeness and future potential (Figure 3). Following an ethical review by Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Medicine, clinical validation began at Nagoya University Hospital in November 2024 (Figure 4).
Figure 1.Block Diagram for describing the influence of Palpation to Doctor and Patient
Figure 2.Components of the Proposed Remote Palpation System
Figure 3.Remote Palpation System in CES2024
Figure 4.Overview of Clinical Validation in Nagoya University Hospital
(Left: Doctor's side, Right: Patient's side)
2．Demonstration Test with National University Hospital of Singapore
Demonstration testing at Nagoya University Hospital demonstrated that the system is capable of satisfactorily diagnosing forearm and wrist pain and joint diseases, such as tennis elbow. Accordingly, in cooperation with 
the Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery at the National University Hospital (NUH),Singapore, a demonstration test will be conducted between Nagoya and Singapore.
3．Symposium Schedule
Day: March 1st, 2025 10am-1pm (Singapore time), 11am-2pm (Japan time)
Style: Hybrid: Singapore site (Invited people), Japan site (Invited people) and Zoom Webinar
Registration
4．Future Plan
Nagoya University aims to introduce the remote palpation system into actual clinical settings and will promote the value of this new technology internationally, and also aim to create new medical services in local cities and contribute to the growth of the local community.
【Notes】
- *1 NEDO project
Project Name: Innovative Remote Technology Development Project Utilizing Artificial Intelligence
Project Duration: FY2021–FY2024
Commissioned Entities: Nagoya University, Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
Project Overview:Innovative remote technology development utilizing artificial intelligence - *2 e-Rubber
A next-generation rubber product developed by Toyoda Gosei. It is a sensor actuator with a thin membrane structure in which rubber is sandwiched between two electrodes.
Toyoda Gosei Technology and Product Information - *3 CES2024(Consumer Electronics Show 2024)
It is an electronics trade fair held every January in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
5．Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this news release:
NEDO AI & Robotics Department, AI Co-Evolution & Remote Team
Contact: Masaharu Tomura, Kazushi Tsuwako TEL: +81-44-520-5241
Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
Representative: Shingo Shimoda
TEL: +81-52-744-2957
E-mail: sshimoda[*]ieee.org
National University Hospital, Singapore
Representative: Sandeep Jacob Sebastin Muttath
E-mail: sandeep_sebastin[*]nuhs.edu.sg
When using the above email address, please replace [*] with @.