Using robotics to automate X-ray, ultrasound workflows the goal of new GE HealthCare-Nvidia partnership

GE HealthCare is teaming with technology firm Nvidia as the two test robotics aimed at automating ultrasound and X-ray image gathering. 

They announced the collaboration on Tuesday, hoping to simplify “complex workflows” such as patient placement, image scanning, and quality checks. Imaging device manufacturer GE will do so using the Nvidia Isaac Healthcare simulation platform—testing and training autonomous systems virtually before “deploying in the physical world.”

“GE HealthCare is committed to developing innovative technologies that redefine and enhance patient care,” President and CEO Roland Rott said in a statement from Nvidia shared March 18. “We look forward to taking advantage of physical AI for autonomous imaging systems with Nvidia technology to improve patient access and address the challenges of growing workloads and staffing shortages in healthcare.”

Nvidia and GE note that ultrasound and X-ray are the most-used diagnostic imaging systems worldwide, accounting for 4.2 billion exams annually. However, about two-thirds of the global population lacks access to this technology, presenting an opportunity for robotics. The two already have been working together for over 15 years, developing reconstruction techniques in CT and MR, and innovations in image-guided therapy. 

Isaac for Healthcare is a physical AI platform using Nvidia’s three computers for robotics, including DGX, Omniverse, and Holoscan. It utilizes artificial intelligence “fine-tuned” for the field, allowing for robotics that can “understand, act and see using enhanced vision and language processing.” Simulation enables these physical AI tools to “power robotic decision-making in the real world, in real time.” 

Nvidia also touted the use of digital twins, importing custom sensors, instruments and anatomies to teach robots how to respond in various medical scenarios. They hope this technology can “close the gap” between simulation and real-world implementation. Early adopters have included Moon Surgical, Neptune Medical and Xcath—training AI models and optimizing robotics in scenarios such as surgery, endoscopy and cardiovascular interventions. 

“The healthcare industry is one of the most important applications of AI, as the demand for healthcare services far exceeds the supply,” Kimberly Powell, VP of healthcare at Nvidia, said in the announcement. “We are working with an industry leader, GE HealthCare, to deliver Isaac for Healthcare, three computers to give lifesaving medical devices the ability to act autonomously and extend access to healthcare globally.”

Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia unveiled the collaboration at its 2025 GTC AI Conference for developers, taking place through March 21. The company says Issac for Healthcare is now available in “early access.” 

In a separate announcement, Chicago-based GE HealthCare highlighted the importance of easing the burden on healthcare professionals, stemming from “increased volumes and double-digit staff shortages.” They’ll initially focus on autonomous development within X-ray systems, hoping to “automate repetitive tasks performed by a technologist in the patient exam room.” This will let care teams focus on direct patient care and complex cases. Nvidia and GE also will explore “machine-to-patient interactions to autonomously lead the patient through the scan journey.” 

For ultrasound, meanwhile, about 90% of sonographers surveyed say they’re dealing with work-related musculoskeletal disorders, GE notes. Another 81% of U.S. health systems report technologist shortages. The two companies hope automation can “streamline” workflows, reduce physical strain and “take on more of the daily workload through advancements in image understanding and robotic navigation.”