Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and sensor transponders. The surgical instrument (10), such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, comprising, according to various embodiments, an end effector (12) comprising at least one sensor transponder (368). The surgical instrument also comprises a shaft (8) having a distal end connected to the end effector (12) and a handle (6) connected to a proximate end of the shaft (8). The handle (6) comprises a control unit (300) in communication with the sensor transponder (368) via at least one inductive coupling (302,320,324). The surgical instrument (10) may be a power assist motorized device including a battery for powering (at least partially) the surgical instrument (10) during use. The surgical instrument (10) may be adapted to provide user feedback regarding the load being experienced by the end effector.