Global (English)
Experience in research to develop technologies in close proximity to people
Our research connects a range of disciplines: physics, physiology, medicine, engineering and chemistry, computer science, mathematics. In addition, the consideration that must be made of the accessibility of the technologies our work results in, which must be capable of reaching everyone, everywhere.
We study nature to imitate it, responding to the need to sharpen the human senses and the profound communication that must exist between people who have chosen to work in healthcare and those involved in a process of prevention and treatment.
The more knowledge of the human body given to us by science, the more we can find tools that provide precise attention to detail, without neglecting the complex aesthetics that allow the body to function harmoniously. Our role is to bridge the gap between the insights of science and the needs of people, who must feel at ease with the items they come into contact with, keeping in mind their perceptions and sensations. The Research & Development team are therefore in constant dialog with our market experts, and with the medical/scientific community.
Our industry is constantly evolving, and so is our role in supporting and integrating the human experience into its health processes.
To keep up with changing and increasing needs, we have always dedicated considerable resources to Research & Development, to which we commit 20% of our people and up to 12% of our revenues.
Laboratories
Our R&D takes place at the Genoa, Florence and Maastricht sites, where electronic engineers, physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists work on hardware, software and electronics design, mechanics, prototype development, and experimental clinical technology.
The goal of using materials with low environmental impact and possible solutions to reuse components is constantly taken into consideration.
Patents
We have always considered protection of intellectual property as a strategic factor, as the fulcrum of innovation.
We hold approximately 300 patents, a number that is rising consistently.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. Our patents cover the main aspects of technology related to dedicated permanent magnet MRI, such as magnetic structures, coils, patient carriers, magnet shimming, and electromagnetic shielding.
- Ultrasound. Our patents mainly cover advanced signal processing technologies identified, for example, by the trade names CnTI, QElaxto, Shear Waves, XStrain, Virtual Navigator, as well as state-of-the-art probes.
Funded projects
The three R&D departments – dealing with ultrasound, MRI, and medical IT respectively – participate in funded research projects, often individually but sometimes jointly.
IMAGINIS - Non-invasive Imaging for Territorial Healthcare
The final objective of the IMAGINIS project is to develop new technologies and applications of non-invasive diagnostic imaging in relation to the modification of the hospital-territorial healthcare organization and of the new digital infrastructures they are making available.
These studies examine the development of ultrasound and MRI systems from the perspective of performance and efficiency, with a focus on non-invasive imaging devices that offer a favorable cost-performance ratio, ease of use, and an increasing use of quantitative imaging.
Project co-funded under the Sustainable Growth Fund “Agreements for innovation” indicated in Ministerial Decree 31/12/2021 and Decree 18/03/2022
Proj. no.: F/310008/00/X56
Implementing bodies: Esaote S.p.A.
CUP B39J23001140005
Ongoing project
RAISE - Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment
The RAISE innovation ecosystem project, conceived by IIT, CNR and UNIGE, which served as the project’s promoter, aims to support the development of an innovation ecosystem based on the scientific and technological fields of AI and Robotics, with a particular focus on the needs of the Liguria region. The project aims to develop into a highly attractive ecosystem for companies, investors and researchers, both nationally and internationally. www.raiseliguria.it
Esaote, as an Affiliate partner of Spoke 2, coordinates the sub-project “AI tools for non-invasive imaging” that contemplates the study and development of prototypes of algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for non-invasive diagnostic imaging solutions.
Spoke project 2, WP4, Project 1, co-funded under the Ligurian Innovation Ecosystem project “RAISE” (Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment) - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 funded by the European Union with resources from the Rotation Fund for the implementation of the Next Generation EU – Italy initiative
CUP: B33D21019660004
Implementing bodies: 25 Ligurian partners from academia, research, institutions and companies, including Esaote S.p.A., coordinated by the University of Genoa (UNIGE), the National Research Council (CNR) and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Ongoing project
THE – Tuscany Health Ecosystem
THE is one of 11 nationally funded innovation ecosystems under the NRRP, and the only one dedicated to life sciences. The THE project, proposed by the University of Florence in collaboration with other regional universities and research organizations, aims to make Tuscany the “health region” by directing research toward applications and companies to develop technologies in the field of health and wellness.
Tuscany Health Ecosystem - THE | NRRP | UniFI
Esaote is an Affiliate member of Spoke 3 “Advanced technologies, methods and materials for human health and well-being”, coordinated by UNIFI.
Project co-funded as part of the “THE” (Tuscany Health Ecosystem) - National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 funded by the European Union with resources from the Rotation Fund for the implementation of the Next Generation EU – Italy initiative
Implementing bodies: 22 Tuscan entities, including 7 universities, 6 public bodies and public research institutes, 9 companies or private entities, with the University of Florence as lead partner
CUP: B33D21019700004
Ongoing project
NEPHELE - A lightweight software stack and synergetic meta-orchestration framework for the next generation compute continuum
NEPHELE is a RIA (Research and Innovation Action) project funded by the Horizon Europe program under the topic “Future European platforms for the Edge: Meta Operating Systems”. nephele-project.eu
Project co-funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program
Project number: 10107048
Call: HORIZON-CL4-2021-DATA-01
Topic: HORIZON-CL4-2021-DATA-01-05
Implementing bodies: 18 European academic, research and business institutions, including Esaote S.p.A., coordinated by the National Technical University of Athens
CUP: B36G20000410007
Ongoing project
MyLab 4.0
The overall goal of the MyLab 4.0 project was to enhance the current approach to ultrasound diagnostic management, moving from a simple analysis tool to an integrated digital service structure for echo-guided diagnostic and interventional radiology that is accessible throughout the healthcare facility for the benefit of patients, regardless of where they receive their healthcare services.
Co-funded project under the 2014-2020 National Operational Program on Enterprises and Competitiveness (PON IC) – REACT EU Axis VI – R&D large project tender notices Revolving fund to support enterprises and investments in research (FRI). Project local code F/210010/00/X46
Implementing bodies: Esaote S.p.A.
CUP B46G20001250005
Project ended on June 30, 2023
MEDIA - High-efficiency diagnostic methods for the osteoarticular patient: Dedicated MRI for non-invasive pre- and postoperative imaging in prosthetic implantation and integrated systems to aid clinical/diagnostic data management
The MEDIA project aimed to address the remaining gaps in the osteoarticular patient management process in order to create a care environment with “high-efficiency methods”, that is, methods using technologies that can detect and treat diseases more efficiently, thus reducing health and social costs, while being minimally invasive to the patient at all stages of the clinical/diagnostic process.
The increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders has a significant impact on healthcare expenditure, especially as the average age of the population continues to rise and risk factors such as obesity and poor diet continue to increase. These conditions affect patients’ autonomy and ability to work, and therefore have a significant impact on their quality of life.
Project co-funded by the European Union - NOP for Research and Competitiveness 2007-2013 CAP, Stralcio Plan Research and Innovation 2015-2017, Development and Cohesion Fund 2014-2020 – pursuant to MIUR D. D. no. 713/Ric. of 29/10/2010 (MIUR Call PON03)
Implementing bodies: Esaote S.p.A., SynLab SDN S.p.A., SCAI S.p.A, Distretto Tecnologico Campania Bioscience Scarl, National Research Council – Institutes: IBB (Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging); ICAR (Italian Central Institute for Archives); IAC (Institute for Calculus Applications), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli – Division of Radiology of the Department of Precision Medicine, University of Salerno – Department of Computer Science, University of Naples Federico II – Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Biogem Scarl, Centro Regionale di Competenza in Biotecnologie Industriali BioTekNet SCpA
CUP: B64C12000370005
Project ended on June 30, 2023
PromenAIde™ - PROgnostic Medical Equipment maintenance services ENabled by AI on DLT and EDGE
The PromenAIde™ Project originated from a Knowhedge™ design concept aimed at bringing disruptive innovation to the concept of “service” in biomedical equipment.
The PromenAIde platform was developed with the support of the specific professional expertise of the ESAOTE research laboratory and of the innovative startups belonging to the SOSIA Pole (Knowhedge™, Swhard™ and Innovina™) specialized in innovation in the field of Edge AI, IoT and Blockchain. In addition, the platform benefits from the system integration capabilities and operational support provided by the innovative SME Zenatek™ SPA, which was later acquired by MYWAI™ srl.
As part of the project, Knowhedge™ coordinated the overall design and specification part of the solution and designed, implemented and patented a technology to deploy and certify AI algorithms also on neuromorphic chips by implementing an innovative DLT infrastructure.
Project co-funded by F.E.S.R. - European Regional Development Fund, Axis 1 “Research and Innovation (OT1)”, Action 1.2.4
Liguria Regional Operational Program 2014 - 2020
Call - “Support for the implementation of complex research and development projects for companies associated with research and innovation poles”
Implementing bodies: Knowhedge s.r.l. (leader), Esaote S.p.A., Zenatek S.p.A., Swhard s.r.l., Innovina s.r.l., Logoil s.r.l.
CUP: G22C21000270007
Project ended on March 31, 2023
UTMOST - New Imaging methodologies and techniques for the diagnosis, evaluation and management of Sarcopenia in normal and pathological conditions
The aim of the UTMOST project was to investigate the efficacy of a novel, personalized treatment protocol and an innovative ultrasound platform for the diagnosis of Sarcopenia, also using Machine Learning techniques, which would to facilitate the comprehensive management of sarcopenic patients.
The project was led by a Temporary Association of Enterprises consisting of FlairBit – lead partner, Akronos Technologies, Esaote and ICS Maugeri. The project was also supported by research organizations such as the Department of Computer Science, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS, Prof. Alessandro Verri), the Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI, Prof. Angelo Schenone) and the Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL, Prof. Carlo Martinoli).
In the UTMOST project, the ultrasound method was chosen for the diagnosis of sarcopenia because it allows the assessment examination to be performed easily and in a wide range of settings. Specifically, a protocol for the automated acquisition and reprocessing of raw image data acquired by an ultrasound imaging diagnostic device (RF Data) was investigated. The dataset of patients’ ultrasound scans therefore allowed the development of a machine learning model, specifically a neural network, which can estimate the Hounsfield unit (a unit of measurement used in computed tomography to provide a quantitative scale of body tissue density) and strongly correlates with the presence of sarcopenia.
Project co-funded by F.E.S.R. - European Regional Development Fund, Axis 1 “Research and Innovation (OT1)”, Action 1.2.4
Liguria Regional Operational Program 2014 - 2020
Call - “Support for the implementation of complex research and development projects for companies associated with research and innovation poles”
Implementing bodies: FlairBit s.r.l. (lead partner), Esaote S.p.A., Akronos Technologies s.r.l, ICS Maugeri S.p.A. and the DIBRIS (Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering), DINOGMI (Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences) and DISSAL (Department of Health Science) of the University of Genoa (UNIGE)
CUP: G32C21000620007
Project ended on March 31, 2023
A-PROMISE - Automation of Manufacturing Processes of Ultrasound Probes
The aim of the project is to generate the technological knowledge necessary to achieve a qualitative leap in production, toward automation solutions for the production cycle of ultrasound probes, with high accuracy, reliability and programmability. The innovations introduced by the project will enable a new process for designing ultrasound probes to create new products. The development and refinement of the technologies required to make this concept a reality will require extensive cooperation between industry and the research community, which will need to address multidisciplinary issues, including mechatronics, robotics, physics, materials technology, and ICT, fully aligned with the technological framework of Industry 4.0.
The project was led by a Temporary Association of Enterprises consisting of Esaote – lead partner, Fabrica Machinale, Apteon, Seacom, the Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry of the University of Pisa, and the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Florence.
Project co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Action 1.1.5 sub-action A1
Tuscany Regional Operational Program 2014-2020
Call 1 “Strategic research and development projects”
Managerial Decree no. 3647 of March 4, 2020, as amended.
Implementing bodies: Esaote S.p.A. (lead partner), Fabrica Machinale s.r.l., Prensilia s.r.l., Apteon s.r.l., Seacom s.r.l., University of Pisa – Dept. of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Dept. of Industrial Engineering (DIEF) - University of Florence
CUP 3647.04032020.157000012
Project ended on December 31, 2022
