US Firm to Launch Revolutionary Portable AI Ultrasound in Bangladesh

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting 

A US-based company has revealed plans to launch a groundbreaking portable ultrasound device powered by artificial intelligence in Bangladesh, representing a major advancement in the nation’s healthcare sector.

Exo Imaging Officials Meet Chief Adviser to Discuss AI Ultrasound

Representatives from Exo Imaging, including co-founders Yusuf Haque and Sandeep Akkaraju, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday at the state guest house Jamuna to discuss the innovative technology and its potential impact.

Exo Imaging Plans Initial Launch in Bangladesh Hospitals

Yusuf Haque, a Bangladeshi-origin US medical technology expert and Exo Imaging’s Chief Technology Officer, stated that the company intends to introduce the device first in major hospitals across Bangladesh, with a long-term goal of extending access to rural and community healthcare centres.

Exo Imaging Device to Transform Healthcare Access

“This device is portable and highly efficient, bringing high-quality diagnostics to even the most remote areas,” Haque said. “It has the potential to revolutionise healthcare worldwide, particularly in rural Bangladesh, where doctors and nurses will soon use it as routinely as a stethoscope.”

Bangladesh First in Asia to Adopt Exo Imaging Technology

Sandeep Akkaraju, Chief Executive Officer of Exo Imaging, noted that Bangladesh is the first country in Asia to adopt the technology, which is currently available only in the United States with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

“We also plan to introduce it soon in Mexico and several other Latin American countries,” Akkaraju added.

AI-Powered Ultrasound Device Promises Early Diagnosis and Improved Access

The AI-powered portable ultrasound device can aid in the early detection of numerous conditions, including heart disease, tuberculosis, breast cancer, lung disease, thyroid disorders, and pregnancy-related complications.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward universal healthcare access. “It sounds like science fiction,” he remarked. “Artificial intelligence plays an extraordinary role in healthcare. As we know, treatment begins with diagnosis, and patients often deteriorate while waiting for tests. This technology can reduce that burden by bringing diagnostics closer to the patient.”

Emphasising the device’s portability, Yusuf Haque added, “Doctors and healthcare workers can take the device directly to patients, eliminating the need for long waits or travel.”

Exo Board Member Highlights Global Impact of AI Ultrasound

Omar Ishrak, a board member at Exo and former chairman of Intel Corporation, emphasized the device’s potential impact: “This is a game changer for countries like Bangladesh. Nearly 80 per cent of the world’s population lacks access to quality healthcare, and this technology can help bridge that gap.”

He added, “Patients with chronic conditions, such as breast cancer, require frequent screenings. This device makes that process more convenient. It is essentially a next-generation stethoscope — a powerful tool delivering instant, AI-driven diagnostic insights.”

Exo Develops Software to Enhance Telemedicine Services

Sandeep Akkaraju revealed that Exo is creating complementary software to assist healthcare workers in prioritising patients based on urgency, sending follow-up reminders, and improving communication between patients and providers. “This represents the next stage of telemedicine,” he said.

Also attending the meeting were Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Sayedur Rahman, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed.

Impact of AI-Powered Portable Ultrasound on the Ultrasound Devices Market – NMSC Analysis

Positive Market Impact

The introduction of Exo Imaging’s portable AI ultrasound device in Bangladesh marks a significant milestone in the global ultrasound devices market. By blending portability with artificial intelligence, this innovation enhances diagnostic efficiency, accessibility, and affordability. Its entry is expected to create a ripple effect, influencing both developed and emerging healthcare systems.

Key Positive Impacts:

Market Expansion: The device’s portability opens new opportunities in rural and underserved regions, driving adoption beyond urban hospitals.

Improved Healthcare Outcomes: Early detection of diseases such as heart conditions, breast cancer, and tuberculosis will boost demand for advanced ultrasound solutions.

Technology Differentiation: AI-driven features set the product apart from traditional ultrasound devices, pushing competitors to innovate further.

Adoption in Developing Economies: Bangladesh becoming the first Asian market signals a shift toward prioritizing affordable diagnostic tools in low- and middle-income nations.

Integration with Telemedicine: Complementary software for patient prioritization and remote consultations supports the growing telemedicine trend.

Potential Negative Challenges

While the launch is largely positive, there are some challenges that may create short-term disruptions or resistance in the market.

Key Negative Impacts:

Competitive Pressure: Established ultrasound device manufacturers may face market share erosion if they fail to match AI capabilities.

Regulatory Hurdles: Countries with strict medical device approval processes may delay adoption, impacting the pace of global expansion.

Cost Barriers in Rural Areas: Despite being portable, affordability and training for healthcare workers could remain obstacles in resource-limited settings.

Dependency on AI Accuracy: Overreliance on AI-driven diagnostics may raise concerns about accuracy, liability, and trust in critical medical decisions.

Conclusion

Overall, the launch of Exo Imaging’s AI-powered portable ultrasound device is poised to positively transform the ultrasound devices market, accelerating innovation and expanding accessibility to diagnostics. While some challenges exist, particularly around regulation and affordability, the long-term outlook suggests strong growth and greater penetration of AI-enabled healthcare solutions.

Source: The Economic Times 

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting