Work Packages

This work package is led by the University of Birmingham (UoB). The aim of this work package is to develop next-generation ingestible devices with advanced sensing capabilities while improving their sustainability. Key objectives include performing life cycle assessment (LCA) of current capsule endoscopes (CEs), designing sustainable approaches to ingestible devices, developing batteryless systems powered by energy harvesting, creating multiplexed wireless bioelectronic devices capable of simultaneous sensing, telemetry and localisation and evaluating the diagnostic benefits of multi-modal over mono-modal devices.

This work package involves DC4, DC5, DC6, DC11, and DC13. Their projects span sustainable device design, impedance-based inflammation sensing, wireless bioelectronics, system characterisation, and energy harvesting integration.

Scientific efforts focus on flexible printed electronics, triboelectric energy harvesting, wireless system modelling, tissue impedance measurement, wireless bioelectronics, and integrating multiple sensing modalities. Testing involves a progression from benchtop setups to ex vivo tissues and physical emulators.

The impact of WP2 will be the development of smarter, more sustainable ingestible systems with enhanced diagnostic precision and reduced environmental burden. This work will also inform future clinical translation by highlighting cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible design pathways for medical devices.

Led by Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA), this work package aims to develop next-generation ingestible devices with active intervention functionalities, including surgical procedures, tissue sampling, and targeted delivery. It also seeks to create accurate localisation strategies and a hybrid physical–virtual training simulator that mimics the colon environment.

The doctoral candidates involved in WP3 are DC4, DC5, DC6, DC7, DC8, DC9, DC11, and DC12. Their work spans localisation system development, actuation mechanisms, and the design and integration of physical and virtual simulation platforms.

Scientific and technical objectives include:

• Developing miniaturised actuation and sampling mechanisms suitable for confined environments.

• Creating reliable localisation systems using internal and external sensors.

• Designing a hybrid GI tract simulator that integrates both physical and virtual modules for clinical training and device assessment.

The expected impact of WP3 is to enable ingestible devices to perform controlled, site-specific interventions and provide the infrastructure needed to validate these systems in realistic, repeatable scenarios, thereby enhancing their readiness for clinical translation.

Led by the University of Thessaly (UTH), the goal of this work package is to advance intelligent capsule endoscopy and imaging-based diagnosis by developing tools for interpretable data analysis, in vivo measurement, and realistic testing environments.

The doctoral candidates involved are DC10, DC11, and DC12. Their projects focus on generative AI for synthetic data generation and semantic analysis (DC10), visual metrology and localisation (DC11), and the development of a digital twin of the gastrointestinal tract (DC12).

Scientific and technical objectives include:

• Defining data analysis requirements for robust, trustworthy image and multimodal data interpretation;

• Applying explainable AI (XAI) to semantic image characterisation and video captioning;

• Developing advanced computer vision and neuro-geometric techniques for in vivo measurement and localisation;

• Creating a parameterised, interactive digital twin of the GI tract using real and synthetic imaging data.

The anticipated impact of WP4 includes enabling more accurate, interpretable diagnostics from capsule imagery, reducing reliance on large annotated datasets, and providing a clinically relevant digital testing platform for device development and training

Led by the University of Thessaly (UTH), this work package aims to provide doctoral candidates (DCs) with a comprehensive training experience that prepares them for careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Its objectives are to build individual competencies, provide high-quality scientific and transferable skills training, promote effective communication and public engagement, and foster long-term professional networks.

Although not directly associated with specific DCs’ research projects, WP5 supports all 13 DCs through an integrated training programme. This includes creating personalised Career Development Plans (CDPs) based on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework, which are reviewed every six months.

Scientific and professional development is supported through secondments, supervisory mentorship, and participation in formal training events such as workshops, online modules, and annual training schools. Topics include data management, patient and public involvement, sustainability, responsible research, medical device regulation, and effective science communication.

The impact of WP5 will be the production of well-rounded, internationally networked researchers equipped with strong technical and soft skills, ready for leadership roles across sectors. It ensures that Intelli-Ingest not only advances scientific knowledge but also invests in the long-term success and employability of its researchers

This work package, led by the University of Birmingham (UoB),  is designed to maximise Intelli-Ingest research’s visibility, uptake, and real-world value through strategic communication, public engagement, and responsible exploitation of results. Its objectives include promoting effective communication within the scientific community, engaging industrial stakeholders, supporting public understanding of science, and ensuring fair and timely exploitation of intellectual property.

While not linked to specific doctoral candidate (DC) research projects, WP6 supports the entire network by coordinating dissemination and outreach efforts. It ensures that all DCs are involved in impactful activities such as scientific conferences, industry events, public science festivals, and science communication training.

Key activities include:

• Developing and regularly updating a dissemination and exploitation plan;

• Highlighting DC activities through the Intelli-Ingest website and social media.

• Identifying outreach and engagement opportunities;

• Working with the consortium members to identify and protect intellectual property for potential commercial exploitation.

The impact of WP6 is to ensure that Intelli-Ingest research has a meaningful footprint beyond academia, reaching clinicians, industry, patients, and the public, while enabling the network to translate scientific discoveries into social, clinical, and economic benefit

Led by Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA), the main objective of this work package is to ensure the professional, efficient, and transparent coordination of the Intelli-Ingest Doctoral Network throughout its duration. This includes managing day-to-day operations, overseeing deliverables and milestones, liaising with external stakeholders such as the European Research Executive Agency, and maintaining accountability across all partners.

WP7 is not directly linked to specific doctoral candidates but supports the entire network. It is responsible for coordinating activities across all work packages, facilitating timely recruitment, ensuring quality assurance of training (in collaboration with WP5), and managing risk.

Key tasks include:

• Establishing and maintaining the supervisory board;
• Managing progress tracking and reporting;
• Organising regular meetings and communication between participants;
• Overseeing financial, legal, and ethical compliance.

The expected impact of WP7 is the smooth execution of the project through robust governance, clear communication, and efficient use of resources—enabling the consortium to meet its scientific, training, and translational goals effectively.