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April 9, 2026

Canon launches Ultimion, Japan’s first domestically produced Photon-Counting CT

Ultimion, Canon’s photon-counting CT

TOKYO, April 9,2026 - Canon Inc. announced today the April 17 launch in Japan of Ultimion, the first domestically produced photon-counting CT.1

Ultimion employs a photon-counting detector that can detect each individual incident X-ray photon. By combining these photon-counting capabilities with other advanced technologies developed over many years by Canon, the system is capable of delivering both Ultra-High resolution images and Spectral images with a single scan. It is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce patient radiation dose. In addition, Canon’s optimized workflow experience “INSTINX,” developed using AI, supports faster and more streamlined CT exams, contributing to improved efficiency in clinical settings.

Canon has been conducting joint research with medical institutions around the world since 2020 to advance the practical application of photon-counting CT. In Japan, Europe, and the United States, Canon has been operating clinical research-use photon-counting CT compliant with regional regulatory requirements, and their clinical value and the potential of photon-counting CT have been reported as clinical evidence at a number of academic conferences. Ultimion was developed based on the insights gained and clinical needs identified through this research. Clinical research using the Ultimion has been underway since March 2026 at the National Cancer Center Hospital East and the National Cancer Center Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (both in Chiba Prefecture, Japan).

■ Ultimion will help advance clinical capabilities
Ultimion employs a Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) photon-counting detector to deliver outstanding X-ray detection capability and dose efficiency while enhancing lesion detection capability through higher-resolution images. As Spectral CT imaging can be used to differentiate a wide range of substances,2 Ultimion is expected to further enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Ultimion features a robust frame to facilitate a maximum gantry rotation speed of 0.24 seconds per rotation, enabling rapid, wide-ranging scans. The combination of Deep Learning Reconstruction (DLR) and a new X-ray tube adapted to the characteristics of photon-counting CT enables flexible condition settings for a wide range of examinations, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal scans.

■ Streamlined workflows enabled by advanced automation
Canon’s proprietary gantry cameras support automated one-touch patient positioning.. The scan range can also be automatically set using data captured during the positioning scan. Ultimion is also equipped with an automatic image layout function.
Data transfer technology optimized for photon-counting CT and an intuitive user interface mean that workflows are similar to those of conventional CT. By linking with a Canon workstation to automatically process diagnostic information in the background and transfer it to the picture archiving and communication system (PACS), Ultimion allows users to quickly access the required information without interrupting image interpretation.2

■ Designed to help enhance operational efficiency
Because a chiller is not required, the system can be easily installed in existing examination rooms with fewer modifications, and its highly efficient scanning capabilities are designed to help increase productivity at medical facilities.

1 As of April 8, 2026. Based on a Canon survey.
2 Canon workstation software is required.


Ultimion will be exhibited at the International Technical Exhibition of Medical Imaging 2026 (ITEM 2026), to be held at the Pacific Convention Plaza Yokohama (Pacifico Yokohama) on April 17, 18, and 19, 2026.

*Ultimion is not available for sale outside of Japan


Joint research on photon-counting CT



Canon Inc.

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