'Hackers' created a fully functional MRI machine in four days

A team of researchers from the NYU Langone Radiology Center for Biomedical Imaging held a “hackathon” challenging scientists to design and build a fully functional MRI machine in just four days. Aptly titled “MRI4All,” the event brought in 52 scientists from 16 institutions to collaboratively build an accessible MRI unit without the multimillion-dollar price tag of commercial models. 

During the hackathon, participants were divided into four teams, each focusing on a specific aspect of the MRI machine: assembling the magnet, building gradient coils, developing the radio frequency transmitter and receiver, and creating the controlling software.

In the end, teams successfully integrated their respective components into an 80-pound machine with an opening large enough to fit a wrist or ankle. The final product, named Zeugmatron Z1, demonstrated its functionality by producing clear images of a water-filled phantom.

In solidarity with the open-source ethos of most Internet freeware, the entire project—including designs for components, files to make 3D-printed parts and all software code—is publicly available on the web for anyone to access. The researchers said they hope this proof of concept will inspire others to innovate and improve upon the technology, fostering a more equitable model for making medical imaging technology accessible to underserved areas globally.

For more information on the hackathon—including an image of the MRI unit—check out the full blog from NYU at the link below.