X-rays are taken for granted in the western world, but the World Health Organization believes that close to two-thirds of the global population do not have reliable access to diagnostic imaging. The cost of the equipment alone is prohibitive in many developing countries, as well as the cost of maintaining and powering the hardware, which can run into several million dollars. Nanox claims that its “digital” X-ray machine, a Star Trek-inspired biobed called the Nanox Arc, is cheaper to use, easier to maintain and doesn’t require installation in a hefty hospital facility.
The company gave its first live demonstration of the technology earlier this week. The presentation came from its Israel HQ, broadcast to the (online-only, thanks to COVID) Radiological Society of North America’s annual conference. During the show, CEO Ran Poliakine had his X-ray taken with a device carrying the firm’s custom hardware. He then demonstrated the beds, which scanned a leg of lamb and some medical dummies for analysis.
