A true revolution in microscopy: China unveils a CT scanner the size of a speaker

Chinese scientists have upended expectations about what computed tomography can do by unveiling a device that impresses with its tiny size and weight. The new machine, called Xtomo-Cube, can fit in one hand, weighs just 6 kilograms, and is about the size of an ordinary desktop speaker. Created by Rayim from Shandong Province, this innovation opens new horizons for studying the tiniest objects, from fossils millions of years old to microscopic drug components.

“This device is so compact that it can be held with one hand. We are talking about the smallest and lightest computed tomography system in the world, already nicknamed a ‘palm-sized CT scanner,'” said Liu Baodong, senior engineer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and CEO of Rayim. According to him, the key challenge was fitting all the necessary components into a four-liter housing: the X-ray source, detector, and rotating platform, while still maintaining high image detail.

Expanding the boundaries of research: from snails to batteries

Xtomo-Cube delivers an impressive spatial resolution of 80 micrometers, comparable to the thickness of a human hair. This makes it possible to analyze in detail the internal structure of objects of many different sizes and purposes, from studying microscopic snail shells to examining the integrity of drug capsules. The device’s power consumption is equally impressive at just about 200 W, making it ideal for field use, where a standard portable power bank may be enough.

The previous world record belonged to a German development that weighed 19 kilograms. In other words, the Chinese CT scanner is more than three times lighter. It is worth noting that computed tomography as a method has come a long way. The first clinical CT scanner was used in London in 1971 to detect a brain tumor. Developed by British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield, the device was 3 meters long, could scan only a patient’s head, and taking several two-dimensional images took about 5 minutes.

Today, CT scanners are an integral part of modern medicine, allowing doctors to diagnose a wide range of conditions, from tumors to internal bleeding and injuries. In addition, tomography is widely used in scientific research, particularly for analyzing fossils, archaeological finds, and for quality control of industrial components such as electric vehicle batteries. However, typical medical CT scanners remain bulky and heavy, standing and spanning about 2 meters and weighing 2 to 2.2 tons.

“There are a huge number of different CT scanners on the market, which can be compared to a car fleet — from sports cars to trucks. Our Xtomo-Cube can safely be called a ‘compact car’ in the world of CT. It is not designed to scan massive objects; its target audience is the study of the internal structure of small items,” Liu Baodong explains.

Portability and low power consumption make Xtomo-Cube extremely promising for use in university laboratories and research centers, where resources or space are sometimes limited. This opens up broader access to advanced analysis technology for students and researchers, encouraging new discoveries and innovation. The development by Chinese engineers confirms the trend toward miniaturization and greater efficiency in technology, which could dramatically change approaches to scientific research and diagnostics in the near future.