According to the UN, virtually every country in the world is experiencing a growth in the number and proportion of their elderly. This also means an increase in out-of-hospital care, as healthcare systems need to cater to those who can no longer reach hospitals. 

One country that’s dealing with the effects of having a larger older population is Japan. With more than 25% of the population over 65, which is expected to grow to 40% by 2050, steps must be taken to provide more efficient and remote healthcare. 

FUJIFILM has designed the CALNEO Xair that's able to perform high-quality x-rays at home. It uses the weakest possible x-rays, weighs only 3.5 kg and is intuitive to use.

Through extensive research, interviews with doctors and fieldwork, the device was developed with both patient and caretaker in mind. And design-wise, it’s been quite a lesson in meeting both requirements. According to the designers, it was particularly difficult to effectively downsize a large system in weight and size, without compromising the readability of the x-rays. On top of that, everything had to be put into a single unit for easy operation and transportation, which meant the exposure couldn’t be a separate device as it normally is. 

After successful research and trials of prototypes, doctors are now confident that the CALNEO Xair will be a real game-changer for remote diagnosis and care. It won’t only reduce the physical burden on physicians and technicians, in terms of transfer and preparation, but will also pose fewer health risks in relation to radiation exposure.

Designers: Ryosuke Ogura, Keiichiro Takahashi - FUJIFILM Corporation - Japan
UN SDGs: Good health and well-being & Industry, innovation and infrastructure

FUJIFILM CALNEO Xair from The Index Project on Vimeo. Music: Lee Rosevere