As healthcare systems worldwide face rising patient volumes and increasing complexity in diagnostics, the demand for faster, more precise, and workflow-efficient imaging solutions continues to grow, particularly in high-acuity settings such as emergency care, critical care, and advanced cardiac and neuro imaging. In this evolving landscape, Royal Philips is strengthening its computed tomography portfolio with innovations designed to enhance speed, accuracy, and clinical confidence.

At the forefront of this advancement is Rembra, a next-generation CT solution engineered to address the unique challenges of time-critical environments. With capabilities spanning AI-enabled image reconstruction, high-speed processing, and improved dose efficiency, the system aims to support clinicians in making faster, more informed decisions while maintaining operational efficiency.

In this interview with MedTech Spectrum, Dan Xu, Business Leader for Computed Tomography at Philips, discusses how Rembra fits within the company’s broader imaging strategy, the technological breakthroughs behind its detector architecture, and the role of embedded AI in transforming clinical workflows. He also shares insights on system longevity, cost efficiency, and the adaptability of advanced CT solutions across diverse global healthcare settings.

How does Royal Philips position Rembra within its broader CT portfolio, and what specific gaps in high-acuity imaging is it designed to address?

Rembra is designed specifically for high-acuity and high-demand imaging environments. While our broader portfolio spans routine to advanced imaging, Rembra focuses on settings where speed, precision, and reliability are critical—such as emergency departments, intensive care, interventional and advanced cardiac and neuro imaging.

It addresses a key gap in these environments: the need to consistently deliver high-quality imaging under time pressure and across complex patient conditions, including bariatric needs. Rembra combines fast acquisition, advanced image quality, and streamlined workflows to support rapid, confident clinical decision-making. In doing so, it helps clinicians manage increasing patient volumes and complexity without compromising diagnostic confidence or operational efficiency.

How does the new NanoPanel Precise XD detector architecture differ from previous generations, and what are the measurable clinical or operational benefits?

The NanoPanel Precise XD detector represents a step change from previous generations by combining hardware innovation with AI-enabled image reconstruction to improve both image quality and dose efficiency.

At the hardware level, smaller pixel sizes increase spatial resolution, enabling clearer visualisation of fine anatomical structures. A 2D anti-scatter grid further enhances contrast by reducing scatter radiation. The detector is also designed to minimise electronic noise, supporting more consistent image quality.

Crucially, it works in combination with Precise Image¹, Philips’ deep learning-based reconstruction. Together, they enable up to 80 per cent radiation dose reduction², up to 85% noise reduction², and 60 per cent improved low-contrast detectability² .

Clinically, this translates into sharper images and greater confidence in challenging cases. Operationally, it enables consistent results across patient types while supporting dose optimisation and workflow efficiency.

With reconstruction speeds of up to 106 images per second, how will Rembra improve workflow dynamics in emergency settings, particularly for stroke pathways?

With reconstruction speeds of up to 106 images per second, Rembra significantly shortens the time between scan acquisition and clinical decision-making—particularly critical in emergency settings such as stroke care.

In stroke pathways, rapid access to imaging is essential to differentiate stroke type and guide treatment decisions. Rembra enables near real-time image availability, allowing clinicians to assess patients faster and initiate appropriate interventions sooner.

This capability helps to reduce workflow bottlenecks, enables faster collaboration between care teams, and supports more efficient patient triage.

Overall, Rembra helps compress the imaging-to-decision timeline, which is directly linked to improved outcomes in time-critical conditions like stroke.

Beyond routine automation, how is AI embedded into the system’s core architecture, and is there validation data regarding productivity gains or diagnostic confidence?

In Rembra, AI is embedded across the entire imaging workflow, rather than being limited to isolated features. It supports key steps from patient positioning through image reconstruction to review and reporting.

For example, Precise Position uses an AI-driven 3D camera to automate patient positioning, improving consistency and reducing setup time. During image generation, Precise Image¹ applies deep learning reconstruction to enhance image quality and enable dose efficiency. Automated, zero-click reconstruction workflows further reduce user interaction and standardise results.

AI also supports interpretation through applications such as Precise Rib¹ and Precise Spine, which streamline image review in high-volume settings.

In terms of validation, internal studies and early clinical use indicate measurable productivity gains, including reduced exam times, faster time-to-results, and improved workflow consistency. At the same time, improved image quality and standardisation contribute to increased diagnostic confidence, particularly in complex or high-acuity cases.

How do features like the 20-year³ system lifetime and the Tube for Life guarantee⁴ impact the total cost of ownership and ROI for hospitals?

Rembra is designed to deliver long-term value, with a system lifetime of up to 20 years³, helping healthcare providers extend the value of their capital investment and reduce replacement frequency.

This directly lowers the total cost of ownership by enabling longer utilisation cycles and more predictable financial planning. In addition, the Tube for Life guarantee⁴reduces one of the most significant ongoing cost risks in CT by covering tube-related expenses, particularly important in high-utilisation environments.

Together, these features improve return on investment by combining lower operational costs with sustained system performance, high throughput, and consistent clinical productivity.

Which markets are being prioritised for the rollout, and how adaptable is the system for emerging markets or high-altitude regions?

Rembra is being rolled out globally, with initial focus on major healthcare markets including Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and China.

The system is designed for adaptability across diverse environments, from advanced hospitals to more resource-constrained settings. It has been engineered for reliable performance under varying infrastructure conditions.

Importantly, Rembra can operate in high-altitude locations—up to 5,000 meters—ensuring stability and performance in regions where altitude can impact conventional systems.

This flexibility allows healthcare providers across different geographies to access advanced imaging capabilities, supporting broader access to high-quality care worldwide.

Footnotes:

1. Feature availability subject to local regulatory clearance/approvals. Not available for sale in the USA.
   2. In clinical practice, the use of Precise Image may reduce CT patient dose depending on the clinical task, patient size and anatomical location. A consultation with a radiologist and a physicist should be made to determine the appropriate dose to obtain diagnostic image quality for the particular clinical task. Dose reduction assessments were performed using reference body protocols with 1.0 mm slices at the “Smoother” setting, and tested on the MITA CT IQ Phantom (CCT189, The Phantom Laboratory) assessing the 10 mm pin and compared to filtered back projection. A range is seen across the 4 pins, using a channelized hoteling observer tool, that includes lower image noise by 85% and improved low-contrast detectability from 0% to 60% at 50% to 80% dose reduction. NPS curve shift is used to evaluate image appearance, as measured on a 20 cm water phantom in the center 50 mm x 50 mm region of interest, with an average shift of 6% or less.
   3. Applicable with required maintenance and commercial upgrades.
2. Tube for Life guarantee availability varies by country. Please contact your local Philips sales representative for details.