Philips unveils AI-powered MRI and Helium-free scanner at ECR 2025

NETHERLANDS – Philips has introduced its latest MRI technologies at the 2025 European Congress of Radiology (ECR),

The technologies feature SmartSpeed Precise with dual-AI engines, the MR Workspace R12 software, and its next-generation helium-free 1.5T BlueSeal scanner.

These advancements aim to improve scan speed, image quality, and sustainability while optimizing workflow efficiency for radiologists worldwide.

SmartSpeed Precise, an AI-driven enhancement to Philips’ MR portfolio, significantly boosts scan speed and image quality.

Powered by dual-AI engines, it enables scans three times faster and improves image sharpness by 80%, allowing radiologists to detect subtle abnormalities more clearly.

Healthcare facilities using SmartSpeed have reported shorter exam times and improved patient throughput.
“With SmartSpeed on our BlueSeal scanner, we have reduced exam times to less than 60 minutes per slot, allowing us to scan two more patients per day,” said Wayne Picker, VP of Clinical Technology at Prenuvo, Inc.

AI-driven MR Workspace

Philips has also introduced MR Workspace R12, a software upgrade designed to streamline imaging workflows.

It features a “zero-click” workflow, automating 80% of MR procedures through AI-powered SmartExam, which standardizes imaging processes and reduces manual tasks.

MR Workspace R12 also integrates Smart Reading, a cloud-based AI-driven reporting tool, supporting faster and more confident diagnoses.

Smart Reading leverages icobrain (icometrix) for neurology applications, including Alzheimer’s disease detection, and QP-Prostate (Quibim) for advanced prostate cancer diagnostics, making AI-powered radiology more accurate and data-driven.

Eco-friendly MRI

Philips is expanding its helium-free MRI technology with the launch of its 1.5T BlueSeal wide-bore scanner in Europe at ECR 2025.

Unlike conventional MRI scanners, BlueSeal eliminates the need for helium refills, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

Since its introduction in 2018, Philips’ BlueSeal technology has saved nearly 5 million liters of liquid helium and lowered energy consumption by 40 MWh per year.

With more than 1,500 installations worldwide, BlueSeal’s lightweight design also makes it ideal for mobile MRI units, increasing accessibility to high-quality imaging globally.

“Aligned with this year’s ECR theme, ‘Planet Radiology,’ we are tackling two key challenges: expanding access to precision care and advancing environmental sustainability,” said Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, Global Business Leader MRI at Philips.

“By integrating high-performance AI across our new and existing helium-free BlueSeal scanners, we are transforming MRI efficiency while reducing its environmental footprint.”