Inside the Future: X Ray and CT in Industry, Research, and Innovation

Welcome to our series of guest contributions on Henry's Discussion Forum, where like-minded individuals can contribute their discussions and articles and share their interests and passions.

Sebastian Molina is a Field Engineer at Baker Hughes and is currently based in Houston, TX. Sebastian holds a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering (BSBE) from Rice University and has a strong foundation and experience in the medical research industry. Before starting in his current role, Sebastian had held clinical research technical positions at the best medical centers in the world, such as the Houston Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Oklahoma Surgical Hospital.  By leveraging his experience in medical research and his sharp technical skills, Sebastian and his senior design team at Rice University developed an at-home care management system for pediatric tracheostomy patients that detects, alerts, and informs caregivers of complications in real time. It is a distinct pleasure to call Sebastian my lifelong friend and forever physics lab partner, and his article below will exhibit his expertise and passion for the work he does professionally and outside of work. 

Articles in discussion:

• Industrial Computed Tomography: Transforming quality control with cutting-edge 2D and 3D industrial computed tomography (CT) solutions - Baker Hughes

• Computed tomography in various fields outside medicine - National Library of Medicine

• Bridging Nano and Micro-scale X-ray Tomography for Battery Research by Leveraging Artificial Intelligence - ArXiV, Cornell University

When most people hear the word X-ray, their minds turn immediately to the doctor’s office or the hospital. Medical imaging is indeed one of the most familiar and vital uses of this technology. Yet X-ray and computed tomography, better known as CT, extend far beyond healthcare. These tools are quietly shaping industries, advancing research, and protecting both people and products in ways that many do not realize.

The story of this technology begins in 1895 when Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays. Within months, they were being used in medicine to look inside the human body, but the industrial world was quick to see their value as well. Engineers realized that they could examine the internal structure of metals, machinery, and manufactured parts without cutting them open. From the very beginning the X-ray was both a medical and an industrial tool, a dual role that has only deepened over the last century.

One of the most powerful advantages of X-ray and CT is their ability to look inside objects without damaging them. This is known as non-destructive testing, and it allows manufacturers to detect flaws before a product ever reaches the customer. Waygate Technologies, a global leader in industrial imaging, notes that CT scanners are widely used to inspect parts for internal defects, measure wall thickness, and confirm complex internal structures (Waygate Technologies, 2025). For industries such as aerospace or automotive manufacturing, where even the smallest hidden crack can cause a catastrophic failure, this type of inspection is essential. Electronics manufacturers also rely on these systems. As devices shrink and components become more intricate, visual inspection is no longer enough. Automated X-ray inspection can reveal hidden solder joints beneath chips, misaligned connections, or voids in circuit boards that would otherwise go unnoticed. The ability to confirm quality without dismantling delicate electronics has become a cornerstone of modern production. 

Energy technologies are another field where CT imaging has proven invaluable. Modern batteries, for instance, involve highly complex internal chemistries and structures. Researchers now use CT scans to study the shape, porosity, and even the gradual changes that occur within batteries as they charge and discharge. This research helps guide the design of safer and longer-lasting energy storage solutions (Arxiv, 2021). Scientists in material science and engineering use CT to study metals, ceramics, foams, and composites, gaining insights into their microstructure. Archaeologists and historians have adopted the same techniques to peer inside fragile artifacts, fossils, and sealed manuscripts, preserving them while unlocking their secrets (Van Kaick et al, 2006). These applications reveal how broadly the technology contributes to knowledge and innovation.

The future of X-ray and CT technology promises even greater impact. Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence are making it possible to analyze scans faster and more accurately. Some companies are already experimenting with real-time CT that could be integrated directly into production lines, offering instant feedback as objects are manufactured. These systems are also finding a natural partnership with additive manufacturing. As industries increasingly turn to 3D printing of metals and composites, CT imaging has become the only reliable way to verify the internal quality of these complex parts. Without it, hidden voids or weak points could compromise entire assemblies. In this way, CT ensures that the promises of digital manufacturing are realized safely and at scale.

Another important dimension is the global reach of this technology. Industrial CT and X-ray systems are no longer confined to research labs or a few specialized factories. They are being deployed in major economies around the world, with rapid growth in Asia, where manufacturing hubs in China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in inspection systems to guarantee the safety and reliability of their products. As supply chains become more interconnected, this global adoption underscores the central role of X-ray and CT in maintaining trust in international trade and manufacturing.

As industries continue to pursue safety, efficiency, and sustainability, X-ray and CT systems will play a central role. They are tools that not only reveal the hidden but also help ensure that the products and structures we rely on every day are safe, reliable, and designed with precision. More than a century ago, Röntgen’s discovery astonished the world by showing the invisible within the human body. Today, that same discovery has matured into a global technology that shapes the cars we drive, the planes we fly in, the devices we hold in our hands, and the energy sources that power our lives. Just as X-ray transformed medicine in the twentieth century, industrial and scientific imaging is poised to define quality, safety, and innovation in the century ahead.

Disclaimer: The reflections shared here are the contributor's technical and analytical perspectives. They are not definitive statements of fact or policy positions. I welcome thoughtful discussion; feel free to contact me or them if you’d like to explore these ideas further.