At the CES 2026, the Tiposi MWI Brain Scanner really made an impression, taking home an Innovation Award Honouree in the AI category, and for good reason. This device is pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible with brain imaging. Prototypes of the MWI scanner demonstrate a portable microwave imaging system that produces clear brain scans in under 3 minutes, without exposing patients to the radiation used by conventional MRI or CT systems. Tiposi aims to make high-end brain imaging more accessible across a wide range of settings, not just those with the means to afford large, bulky scanners. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the MWI Brain Scanner is, why it caught everyone’s eye at CES, and what impact it could have on healthcare and tech as a whole.
What the Tiposi MWI Brain Scanner does
The Tiposi MWI Brain Scanner is a prototype that combines microwaves and AI to produce high-resolution images of the brain. Right now, neuroimaging systems like MRI and CT scanners are huge, expensive, and power-hungry, which limits where they can be used. The MWI scanner operates differently by eliminating the need for cooling systems, shielded rooms, and complex setups, reducing the solution to a portable device that one person can carry and have up and running in minutes. The AI component then chimes in, quickly analysing all the data to give you clear diagnostic images in under 3 minutes—that’s a considerable reduction in scan time.
The scanner is designed for healthcare workers, neurologists, emergency responders, and researchers who need to obtain brain imaging quickly and reliably, without breaking the bank or taking up too much space. Since it doesn’t use ionising radiation, it also reduces patient risks and makes it safe for a wide range of subjects. When it comes to things like stroke, trauma, or severe headaches—where time is of the essence—having imaging that’s rapid and accessible could genuinely mean the difference between life and death. The early results are promising; this technology could bridge the gap between basic imaging and full diagnostic capabilities, bringing advanced imaging to areas that were previously underserved.
Why it stands out
Tiposi’s approach is unique because it combines microwave imaging hardware and AI for rapid interpretation, all wrapped in a package that sidesteps many of the downsides of traditional scanners.
What sets the Tiposi MWI Brain Scanner apart:
- Produces brain images in under three minutes, thanks to advanced signal interpretation.
- Runs without ionising radiation, so patients are not exposed to X-rays or CT.
- It’s highly portable, weighing just 8 kg, so it’s easy to take to the field.
- Automated calibration and single-operator setup mean it’s easy to get it up and running without a team of experts.
- No need for shielded rooms or cooling systems, which keeps costs down.
Why it matters
Portable brain imaging is a game-changer for medical tech. Hospitals in rural areas or with tight budgets often can’t afford a full MRI or CT suite, but a system like Tiposi’s could bring diagnostic-grade data to patients without requiring them to travel to a big city. Emergency services could do quick on-site scans for traumatic brain injury or stroke, and researchers could get high-end brain imaging without the hassle of moving subjects to a centre. The use of AI is also notable—it mirrors the broader trend in healthcare, where machine learning is accelerating interpretation and reducing bottlenecks in diagnostics.
As neurotech continues to push the boundaries of what we can do, devices like the MWI Brain Scanner are showing us the way forward—smaller, safer, and more accessible. And it will make a real difference for healthcare systems struggling to keep up with demand.
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