SelfMRI: Autonomous MRI for Accessible Diagnostics

SelfMRI is a new public-private partnership uniting UMC Utrecht, Inno, Metrasens, Quarijn, Philips, TU/e, LUMC, and Amsterdam UMC to make MRI diagnostics more accessible, efficient, and affordable. The project aims to develop and validate a fully autonomous MRI system, allowing patients to safely undergo MRI scans without the need for staff, by integrating advanced safety, automation, and user guidance technologies.

MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool for early detection of many diseases, but its use is limited by high costs, staff shortages, and long waiting lists. In the Netherlands and across Europe, the demand for MRI scans is growing by 6% per year, while staff shortages cause delays, suboptimal diagnostics, and increased healthcare costs. Current MRI systems require trained operators for patient safety and scan quality, making it difficult to expand access to first-line care or community settings. There is a clear need for a safe, automated, and user-friendly MRI solution.

The SelfMRI project will develop a smart metal detector gateway with camera control to prevent unsafe materials from entering the MRI room, an automated chair system for safe patient positioning, and new methods to assess and manage risks from implants. The system will be tested and validated in real-world settings, including an elderly care facility, and will include patient and caregiver feedback to ensure usability and acceptance. The approach combines engineering, clinical, and user experience expertise to deliver a robust, scalable solution.

The main deliverables are a validated autonomous MRI prototype, a safety gateway, automated patient entry and positioning systems, and a clinical trial plan for further implementation. These results will enable safer, faster, and more affordable MRI diagnostics, reduce waiting times, and support broader use of MRI in community and first-line care settings.