As artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer vision converge to redefine diagnostic imaging, United Imaging Healthcare is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. Its latest innovation the uDR Aurora CX represents a new generation of digital radiography systems “Born with AI,” designed to act as intelligent assistants to radiologic technologists. By integrating advanced automation, real-time feedback, and preventive quality assurance, the system aims to elevate image consistency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient comfort. In this conversation with Medtech Spectrum, Dr. Jeffrey M. Bundy, CEO of United Imaging Healthcare North America, discusses how the uDR Aurora CX is reshaping radiography practice, advancing diagnostic confidence, and reflecting the company’s broader strategy for AI-driven healthcare innovation in the U.S. market.
The uDR Aurora CX integrates robotics, computer vision, and AI into digital radiography. How does this system fundamentally change the way radiography is performed compared to conventional DR systems?
Basically, United Imaging has converted digital DR systems into digital assistants for the X-ray staff. The uDR Aurora CX uses AI to simplify workflow, including AI positioning, collimation and parameter setting. Specifically, it uses two uAI® Vision Cameras embedded into the system to dynamically adjust to the patient’s position and height in real time. It recognizes the size of the exposure area to set the collimation with accuracy. And, it recognizes the patient’s body habitus and improves image quality and consistency by setting the optimal exposure parameters. Like with all of our systems, we say it’s Born with AI, because this deep integration of AI in the hands of the staff combines for a very powerful and dramatic impact.
This translates into patient impact as well; not only does the Technologist have more opportunity to focus on the patient because of the workflow improvements, but the uVoice Guidance feature provides very clear guidance to the patient about their breathing, along with other voice prompts during the exam that offer that same clarity.
Finally, preventive Quality Assurance gives the X-ray staff confidence by alerting the Technologist if the patient is out of the field of view (FOV) or if the wrong laterality is positioned.
With features like automated positioning and AI-driven quality control, what specific benefits do you see for patients and technologists in terms of workflow efficiency, exam accuracy, and patient comfort?
First there are all the benefits noted above. But in addition, a huge benefit to both patients and Technologists of AI-driven features is fewer repeated exams -- and also reduced exam times (up to 50% in general, and for chest X-rays United Imaging’s system can complete a patient exam in as little as 30 seconds including positioning, exposure, image acquisition, and post processing). AI also means the reproducibility of high quality images across all the Technologists in the department, and the QA benefits noted above,
How do you see the integration of embedded AI quality control and real-time feedback impacting diagnostic confidence and reducing repeat exams in high-volume radiology departments?
A provider can leverage this real-time feedback to identify Technologists that may need additional training, or conversely, to identify best practices to replicate across the department. In terms of embedded quality control, United Imaging believes the benefits can be especially pronounced in high-volume departments like the ER, where preventive AI-enabled alerts can quickly tell the Technologist an adjustment is needed before an
exposure is made, which helps the Technologist hone in on potential issues more quickly and reduces the need to repeat exams. Another benefit of the AI features in high volume environments is improving image consistency across the department.
You mentioned significant investments in the U.S. market. How does the launch of uDR Aurora CX fit into United Imaging’s broader strategy for the U.S., and what adoption trends do you anticipate in 2025?
One very important thing about United Imaging is our Born With AI strategy, because it’s a different approach to technology development than what the industry has historically been able to do. Born With AI means that our artificial intelligence capabilities are native to our systems – they are integrated from the very first part of the development process, not retrofitted to existing systems after the fact – so they function cohesively and powerfully. This is an investment we made in innovation across the business because we believe so strongly in how AI when harnessed correctly can help providers care even better for their patients. But even beyond X-ray, and even beyond AI, the uDR Aurora CX symbolizes yet another significant expansion of our U.S. portfolio. We have consistently and repeatedly brought new and unique products to market every single year in the U.S., expanding our production and service infrastructures in America in parallel to support that.
The system provides retrospective quality analysis and analytics-driven data. How do you envision this supporting hospitals’ and imaging centers’ quality improvement initiatives?
The retrospective quality analysis gives department managers/supervisors additional tools to address common image positioning issues and address those issues before the repeat rate rises higher. This analysis empowers departments to improve image quality and consistency and therefore lower the overall repeat rate.
This technology can also support the hospital/imaging center’s quality team to more easily identify, track and measure quality improvement programs in Radiology departments.
Beyond the uDR Aurora CX, what role do you see AI playing in radiography and diagnostic imaging over the next 3–5 years, and how is United Imaging preparing to lead in this space?
Our vision is improved patient outcomes because providers are able to do more efficient and more accurate exams – and the patient’s experience of the exam is improved through voice guidance and less risk of repeated repositioning. More broadly, United Imaging also builds this technology with AI “born” into its systems so that image quality is maximized and made consistent across departments, department survey scores can be elevated, workflow can be streamlined, and best practices replicated. We make these investments because we believe they have real long-term impact to providers, and that ultimately is the right thing for patients as well.
