A stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge jaw including staples removably stored therein, an anvil configurable in an unclamped condition and a clamped condition, a closing member configured to move the anvil to the clamped condition, a firing member movable to eject the staples from the staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the firing member is disclosed. The closing member is operably isolated from the rotatable drive member. The stapling instrument further comprises an electric motor operably engaged with the firing member, a battery electrically couplable to the electric motor, a handle, and a sensing system. The electric motor and the battery are positioned in the handle. The sensing system is responsive to the clamped condition of the anvil and the movement of the firing member. The sensing system comprises a lockout configured to prevent a function of the stapling instrument.