Philips integrates AI algorithms into its MRI systems and showcases its AI-enabled software to streamline workflows and new wide-bore scanner at ECR 2025.
Philips has unveiled its latest MRI technologies—SmartSpeed Precise with dual-AI engines for faster, higher-quality imaging, the latest MR Workspace software, and its next-generation helium-free BlueSeal scanner—at the 2025 European Congress of Radiology.
Debuting at ECR 2025, SmartSpeed Precise is designed to improve scan speed and diagnostic image quality, extending AI-driven efficiency across the Philips MR portfolio—including existing customer systems. Also showcased is the latest MR Workspace software release 12, which is designed to streamline workflows and empower clinicians to deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses.
Additionally, ECR 2025 marks the European debut of Philips’ next-generation helium-free 1.5T BlueSeal, a wide-bore MR scanner, which Philips says reinforces its commitment to sustainable, patient-friendly imaging solutions.
Customers have seen the efficiency gains of SmartSpeed, which helps reduce patient wait times and optimize scanner utilization, allowing facilities to deliver high-quality imaging with greater speed and reliability. “With SmartSpeed on our BlueSeal scanner, we have reduced exam times to less than 60 minutes per slot for a multi-parametric diagnostic quality whole-body exam, making it possible to scan two more patients per day,” says Wayne Picker, vice president of clinical technology at Prenuvo Inc, in a release.
Customers also anticipate significant time savings and workflow improvements with Philips’ dual-AI SmartSpeed Precise technology, which helps streamline their imaging processes, enhance efficiency, and increase patient throughput.
“We are impressed by the extremely sharp and crisp images, diagnostic confidence, and fast scans delivered by the dual-AI SmartSpeed Precise solution. We expect it will set a new standard in clinical performance with its ease of use, high image quality, and acceleration controlled by a single parameter,” Picker adds in a release.
A Step Toward Autonomous MRI Scanning
The latest SmartSpeed Precise technology is designed to further enhance productivity, enabling scans to be completed up to three times faster, cutting scan times while maintaining image quality. At the core of SmartSpeed Precise is its dual-AI engine, which delivers an 80% improvement in image sharpness, enhancing visualization for more confident and accurate diagnoses.
MR Workspace R12 introduces a “zero-click” workflow, guiding the imaging process from scan initiation to report generation. By reducing manual intervention and optimizing efficiency, MR Workspace R12 aims to empower radiology departments to boost patient throughput and reduce backlogs, addressing the increasing demand for faster and more precise imaging. A key innovation within MR Workspace R12 is its AI-powered SmartExam feature, which automates 80% of MR procedures, streamlining operations and standardizing imaging workflows.
Additional innovations include Smart Reading, which seamlessly integrates cloud-based AI-driven quantitative reporting. Smart Reading leverages AI platforms such as icobrain (icometrix) for neurology—including Alzheimer’s disease detection—and QP-Prostate (Quibim) for advanced prostate cancer diagnostics.
Eco-Friendly MRI with Next-Gen Helium-Free BlueSeal Scanner
Launching in Europe at ECR 2025, Philips’ latest 1.5T BlueSeal MR wide-bore scanner features a helium-free magnet system, eliminating the need for helium refills, even in the event of a shutdown, ensuring long-term reliability and reducing environmental impact.
Since 2018, Philips BlueSeal technology has saved nearly 5 million liters of liquid helium, helping preserve this finite resource. With more than 1,500 installations worldwide, Philips BlueSeal MR systems cut energy consumption by nearly 40 MWh per year, lowering operational costs and carbon footprint. Their lightweight design enhances installation flexibility, including use in mobile MRI units.
“Perfectly aligned with this year’s ECR theme, ‘Planet Radiology’—which emphasizes better patient care while protecting the planet—Philips is tackling two critical challenges: expanding global access to precision care and advancing environmental sustainability,” says Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, global business leader MRI at Philips, in a release. “By integrating high performance-enhancing AI engines across our entire portfolio of new and installed helium-free BlueSeal scanners, we are revolutionizing MRI efficiency while reducing environmental impact. These innovations ensure that more patients worldwide can access high-quality imaging, while healthcare providers benefit from more sustainable and cost-effective operations.”
Summary:
At ECR 2025, Philips introduced advancements in MRI technology, including AI-powered SmartSpeed Precise, the latest MR Workspace software, and the next-generation helium-free BlueSeal scanner. SmartSpeed Precise, powered by dual-AI engines, is designed to accelerate MRI scans while maintaining high image quality. MR Workspace software streamlines workflows, reducing scan times and improving patient throughput. Meanwhile, the helium-free 1.5T BlueSeal wide-bore scanner supports sustainability efforts by eliminating the need for helium refills and reducing energy consumption. These innovations reflect Philips’ focus on efficiency, automation, and environmental responsibility in MRI technology.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-powered MRI technology improves scan efficiency – Philips’ SmartSpeed Precise uses dual-AI engines to accelerate MRI scans while maintaining high image quality, aiming to reduce patient wait times and optimize workflow efficiency.
- Workflow automation enhances radiology productivity – The MR Workspace software update introduces AI-driven automation, including a “zero-click” workflow and SmartExam feature, designed to reduce manual steps, standardize imaging, and boost patient throughput.
- Philips advances sustainability with helium-free MRI – The 1.5T BlueSeal scanner is designed to eliminate helium dependency, lower energy consumption, and support mobile and hospital-based imaging with its lightweight design.
Photo caption: Dual AI engines in SmartSpeedPrecise
Photo credit: Philips
