Chinese researchers have unveiled the world's smallest and lightest CT scanner, a palm-sized portable device weighing just 6 kilograms (13.2 lbs) — roughly the size of a desktop speaker — designed to image tiny fossils, archaeological relics, and medical capsules. Developed by Shandong province-based startup Rayim, the device, called the Xtomo-Cube, marks a significant miniaturisation milestone in medical and scientific imaging technology.

What the Xtomo-Cube can do

The Xtomo-Cube delivers a spatial resolution of 80 micrometres — approximately the width of a human hair — making it precise enough to analyse objects ranging from snail shells to medicine capsules, according to the company. Its compact form factor means it can be operated with a single hand, a capability that sets it apart from conventional CT systems that typically require dedicated rooms and specialised infrastructure. Liu Baodong, a senior engineer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and general manager of Rayim, described the device's significance in a statement to Science and Technology Daily on Monday, September 15, 2026. 'The device can be held in one hand and is the world's smallest and lightest CT system, earning it the nickname 'palm-sized CT scanner',' he said.

Why it matters

Portable CT technology has long been a target for researchers seeking to bring high-resolution imaging into field environments — from archaeological dig sites to remote clinics. Conventional CT scanners, whose foundational design traces back to the work of Godfrey Hounsfield, require substantial power infrastructure and physical space. The Xtomo-Cube's 6kg footprint challenges those constraints fundamentally. The ability to scan delicate objects like fossils non-destructively in situ — without transporting them to a laboratory — could accelerate palaeontological and archaeological research globally. For pharmaceutical and materials science applications, the device offers rapid, on-site quality inspection at a scale previously unavailable outside fixed lab settings.

The competitive backdrop

China has been aggressively expanding its footprint in precision scientific instrumentation, an area historically dominated by European and American manufacturers. The Rayim development arrives as Beijing continues to prioritise self-sufficiency in high-end scientific equipment under national technology strategies. Miniaturised X-ray and CT systems have attracted growing interest from defence, heritage conservation, and point-of-care medical diagnostics sectors worldwide. No commercial pricing or release timeline was disclosed by Rayim at the time of the announcement.

What's next

The broader question is whether Rayim will pursue international certification pathways — such as CE marking in Europe or FDA clearance in the United States — to commercialise the Xtomo-Cube beyond China's domestic market. Regulatory approval and supply-chain scalability will determine how quickly this technology transitions from a research showcase to a widely deployed field instrument. Analysts and heritage institutions worldwide will be watching Rayim's next steps closely.