Prototype of Affordable Digital X-Ray System Revealed for Growth Economies

The EssentialTech project team of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL; Lausanne, Switzerland) Cooperation and Development Center (CODEV) has revealed a fully functional prototype of their GlobalDiagnostiX digital radiography system designed specifically for developing countries.

The GlobalDiagnostiX is a high-tech system with a total cost of ownership, including purchase and maintenance over a period of 10 years, costs 10 times less than existing equipment on the market. The system is designed to resist tropical climate extremes such as high temperatures, humidity and dust. The system includes an examination stand, without electrical controls, and can move up, down, and turn to accommodate different body parts. The GlobalDiagnostiX has a robust mechanism to facilitate handling with a minimum of errors, and is constructed solid stainless steel mechanical components.


The GlobalDiagnostiX features a robust and inexpensive radiographic image sensor, based on an array of twelve commercially-available CMOS sensors. The power module will provide the brief burst of extremely high voltage necessary without overloading the hospitals’ electrical network, and has an innovative energy storage system enabling several hours’ operation even during power cuts.

The project has received several million Euros funding, and a second prototype is planned for 2016.

Pascal Hundt, head of the Assistance division, International Committee of the Red Cross, said, “X-ray diagnostic imaging is an essential tool in primary healthcare for diagnosing conditions such as trauma or tuberculosis that represent a great burden in developing countries. Yet X-ray diagnostic imaging is still unavailable to two thirds of humanity. Project GlobalDiagnostiX is an inspiring and exciting initiative to develop an innovative, robust and affordable X-ray diagnostic system specifically adapted to the needs of low-income countries.”

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