Philips advances MRI speed and precision with AI technology launch

Philips has launched its dual-AI magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) software solution in Australia following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), positioning the technology as a tool to accelerate scans while enhancing image quality.

Designed to support radiology workflows, SmartSpeed Precise uses artificial intelligence (AI) during image reconstruction to help reduce MRI scan times without compromising image quality. The software can be installed as an upgrade across Philips MRI systems.

The launch comes as healthcare providers face mounting pressures around efficiency and access to patient information.

Philips’ 2025 Future Health Index found that three in four Australian healthcare professionals lose clinical time due to incomplete or inaccessible patient data, while one-fifth (19%) report losing more than 45 minutes per shift. According to the report, this equates to 23 full days lost per healthcare professional each year, highlighting the need for AI and digital technologies that can streamline data management and recover valuable clinical time.

“SmartSpeed Precise allows us to bring AI-enabled MRI technology to radiology departments across Australia,” said Allen O’Connell, Imaging Business Manager, Philips Australia and New Zealand. “Findings from the Future Health Index report show that while clinicians are optimistic about AI, they want solutions that integrate seamlessly into their daily workflow. By reducing scan times and improving image quality, we are giving clinicians time back to focus on the patient.”

According to Philips, SmartSpeed Precise can enable MRI examinations in certain imaging applications to be completed up to three times faster than conventional reconstruction methods, while delivering image clarity improvements of up to 80%.

Dr Julian Luetkens, Professor of Radiology at University Hospital Bonn in Germany, said the technology had demonstrated significant benefits.

“In breast MRI, we saw acquisition times cut by up to 50%, with image quality actually improving compared to previous Compressed SENSE protocols,” he said. “That’s a game-changer.”

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