GE HealthCare has unveiled Freelium, a next-generation sealed magnet platform for MR, at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2025. The platform is designed to operate with less than 1% of the liquid helium typically required for conventional MR magnets, supporting both sustainability and operational efficiency.

Freelium builds on GE HealthCare’s existing lightweight intelligent magnet technology, first introduced in 2020, which has been deployed in over 2,000 MR systems worldwide at 1.5T and 3.0T magnetic fields. The new platform aims to maintain imaging performance while reducing reliance on helium, a resource that can be costly and difficult to source in certain regions.

The system is designed to function without additional cooling or power requirements, and incorporates remote monitoring and automated magnet protection capabilities. This feature is particularly relevant for maintaining operational security in the event of power disruptions. Freelium is also being developed for compatibility with GE HealthCare’s AI-enabled imaging solutions, further enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
“Today’s unveiling of Freelium reinforces our commitment to provide equitable and sustainable access to MR to any patient and user, while maintaining imaging performance and ensuring seamless operational security for our customers,” said Kelly Londy, president and CEO of global MR at GE HealthCare.

GE HealthCare has prioritized sustainability in its MR technology, reporting that its intelligent magnet platform and Continuum upgrades have helped conserve approximately 3 million liters of helium. The company states that Freelium will be optimized for installation in hospitals and regions with limited helium access, reducing logistical challenges associated with traditional MR systems.

Freelium remains in development and is not yet available for commercial sale.

MRI Homepage