Enhancing breast palpation training with a dynamic multilocation particle jamming interface
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy amongst women worldwide, accounting for approximately 670,000 deaths in 2022. While physical examination is a vital tool for early detection, effective training remains a challenge. This work demonstrates a dynamic softness-changing tactile display capable of rendering lumps in variable locations to support manual breast examination training.
The system uses particle jamming and load-based tactile sensing to create differential stiffness across a monolithic display, while resistive heat pads provide thermal indications of infection. A 3D visualisation adds clinical context. We evaluated the system with 14 doctors and medical students. Participants correctly identified lump locations in 66% of cases and elevated temperatures in 88% of cases. Notably, qualified doctors demonstrated 22% higher accuracy than novices. These results vali-
date the system’s ability to distinguish expert from novice performance, suggesting it is a viable tool for objective clinical skills assessment and training.
The system uses particle jamming and load-based tactile sensing to create differential stiffness across a monolithic display, while resistive heat pads provide thermal indications of infection. A 3D visualisation adds clinical context. We evaluated the system with 14 doctors and medical students. Participants correctly identified lump locations in 66% of cases and elevated temperatures in 88% of cases. Notably, qualified doctors demonstrated 22% higher accuracy than novices. These results vali-
date the system’s ability to distinguish expert from novice performance, suggesting it is a viable tool for objective clinical skills assessment and training.
Date Issued
2026-07-28
Date Acceptance
2026-03-30
Citation
Haptics: Understanding Touch; Technology and Systems; Applications and Interaction, 2026, 16593 (Part 1), pp.432-442
ISBN
978-3-032-32229-6
Start Page
432
End Page
442
Journal / Book Title
Haptics: Understanding Touch; Technology and Systems; Applications and Interaction
Volume
16593
Issue
Part 1
Copyright Statement
© 2027 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Source
EuroHaptics 2026
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2026-07-06
Finish Date
2026-07-09
Coverage Spatial
Siena, Italy
Date Publish Online
2026-07-28