MIT and Singapore Innovate with World’s First Wearable Ultrasound System

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched an innovative project in Singapore that aims to revolutionize elderly care through the development of the world’s first wearable ultrasound imaging system. The initiative, named Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC), represents a significant advancement in wearable technology and medical imaging.

Supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme, WITEC is a multi-million dollar, multi-year collaboration involving leading researchers from MIT, Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). This project aims to establish Singapore’s first centre dedicated to the foundational research and development of a wearable ultrasound system capable of providing 48-hour intermittent cardiovascular imaging.

Transforming Healthcare Through Innovation

Chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart failure affect millions globally. Traditional ultrasound systems, while clinically powerful, are often bulky and limited to episodic use within hospital settings. In response, WITEC aims to bridge this gap by creating a wearable ultrasound system that employs bioadhesive technology for continuous monitoring. This advancement is expected to significantly enhance early detection, home-based pre-diagnosis, and ongoing management of chronic diseases.

According to Bruce Tidor, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Director of SMART, “Addressing society’s most pressing challenges requires innovative, interdisciplinary thinking. WITEC will harness expertise from MIT and leading institutions in Singapore to advance transformative research that creates real-world impact.”

The project’s laboratory is outfitted with cutting-edge technology, including Southeast Asia’s first Nanoscribe Quantum X sub-micrometre 3D printer and the Verasonics Vantage NXT 256 ultrasonic imaging system, the first of its kind in Singapore. These tools enable researchers to fabricate components at the level of single cells or tissue structures, ensuring the accuracy and stability necessary for effective long-term imaging.

Clinical Trials and Future Developments

WITEC’s clinical collaborator, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), will begin patient trials in early 2026. These trials aim to validate the long-term effectiveness of heart imaging for managing chronic cardiovascular diseases. Prof Xuanhe Zhao, Co-Lead Principal Investigator of WITEC, expressed pride in assembling a talented team to pioneer technologies that will make wearable ultrasound imaging a reality. “Our phased approach will accelerate translation into a fully wearable platform that reshapes how chronic diseases are monitored, diagnosed, and managed,” he stated.

As populations age, particularly in regions like Singapore, the challenges posed by chronic diseases are expected to escalate. Prof Joseph Sung, Co-Lead Principal Investigator, emphasized the importance of this research, noting, “Our work aims to transform daily care for those living with cardiovascular and other chronic conditions, providing clinicians with richer insights while empowering patients.”

Over the next three years, WITEC plans to develop a cart-based bioadhesive ultrasound (BAUS) system that will offer continuous, real-time monitoring and personalized diagnosis of medical conditions. The ultimate goal is to create a fully integrated portable BAUS platform capable of delivering 48-hour intermittent imaging.

This groundbreaking effort not only promises to enhance patient outcomes but also seeks to alleviate labor shortages in healthcare settings by freeing ultrasound operators, nurses, and doctors to focus on more complex care tasks, ultimately reducing the demand for hospital beds and resources.

The WITEC initiative stands at the forefront of medical technology innovation, marking a pivotal step towards reimagining healthcare delivery and improving the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions across Singapore and beyond.