Tired of ads? Enjoy an ad-free experience by signing up.
Terence Lee · · 3 min read

A startup is using radio waves to give everyone X-ray vision

Disclosure: This story resulted from a trip paid for by CES.

Image credit: Pixabay

Image credit: Pixabay

I bet you’ve dreamt of being Superman. But while jetpacks may still be a long way off, at least one of the superhero’s abilities may be within reach in the near future.

Vayyar is a company that has figured how to use radio waves to create 3d images. Here’s the bonus: these waves can penetrate through objects, allowing people to see into them and past them.

I visited the Israeli startup’s CES booth to see the technology at work. Check out the video:

The technology appears to have tons of applications, ranging from life-saving to intrusive.

As the video shows, construction workers can use this to see into walls to find pipes or electrical wiring.

It could dramatically improve cancer survival rates. The company is working on a hand-held cancer detection device which can be placed over the breast to collect a reading. The low cost and portability could improve access to screenings in rural areas.

“The chip is small, it can be integrated into many things. So you got some of these MRI machines that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is way less costly,” says Malcolm, without stating exact costs.

There’s one additional benefit: radio waves are far less radioactive, meaning the test can be applied again and again.

Here’s what a reading looks like. The tiny circle represents a tumor:

vayyar breast cancer scan

Stay ahead in Asia’s tech landscape

You've reached your 2 free content limit for the month. Sign up for free to read the full story.

🏄 For casual readers / 👶 Free

Basic

US$0

Free forever

Get instant access to this article and more every month

0 premium content

Unlimited news briefs

5

5 articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0 per day

⌛Sign up in 20s. No payment details needed.

📖 For learners / 👍 Starter

Lite

US$4.92/month

Billed annually at US$59/year

Get instant access to this article and more every month

4

4 premium content

Unlimited news briefs & articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0.17 per day

Cancel anytime

Our subscriber community includes professionals from these companies:

Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.

Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.

TIA Writer

Terence Lee

I like analyzing and digging into the real goings-on in the tech industry. Holds these crypto: BTC, Eth, Matic