Butterfly Network, Inc., a digital health company known for its handheld whole body ultrasound technology and software driven imaging platform, has announced plans to introduce a Beam Steering API that will allow third party developers to build advanced AI applications. The API is expected to be released in the first half of 2026 as part of the company’s Butterfly Garden and Ultrasound on Chip co development programs. With this release, developers will gain access to imaging functions that until now were limited to Butterfly’s own applications such as iQ Slice and iQ Fan.
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The Beam Steering API is built on Butterfly’s electronically controlled 3D imaging software, which supports off axis beam steering up to 20 degrees. This capability enables imaging applications that are more tolerant of probe positioning, making it easier for clinicians to capture consistent and high quality ultrasound images. As ultrasound devices are increasingly used earlier in patient care and across a wider range of clinical environments, ease of use has become a critical factor in adoption.
Portable ultrasound is now commonly used in point of care settings, outpatient clinics, and frontline environments. In these scenarios, clinicians may have varying levels of ultrasound experience. Technology that reduces dependency on precise probe handling can help ensure reliable imaging outcomes, regardless of user skill level. Butterfly’s approach aims to address this challenge by embedding flexibility directly into the imaging software.
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Steve Cashman, Chief Business Officer at Butterfly Network, explained that opening digital beam steering access to external developers marks an important step for the imaging ecosystem. He noted that by giving partners deeper access to core imaging capabilities, the company is enabling the development of more advanced AI driven tools that can simplify image acquisition. According to Cashman, this expanded ecosystem can speed up innovation and support broader adoption of ultrasound technology across more care settings and earlier stages of the patient journey.
Butterfly’s technology differs significantly from traditional ultrasound systems. Instead of relying on mechanical components, the company uses a semiconductor based approach with a fully electronic two dimensional capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer array containing around 9,000 elements. This design allows beam steering in three dimensions through software alone, without any physical movement of parts.
Victor Ku, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of Butterfly Network, emphasized that the software defined nature of the platform is what makes this expansion possible. He explained that the same architecture already supports advanced imaging modes on Butterfly’s own devices and applications. By extending this capability through an API, the company can provide developers with access to sophisticated imaging functions while maintaining a controlled and scalable platform.
The upcoming SDK access is expected to support advanced imaging workflows across a selected range of clinical presets. These include abdominal, cardiac, obstetric, musculoskeletal, vascular, and lung imaging. Final availability and technical specifications will depend on continued development, regulatory review, and individual partner agreements. Through this initiative, Butterfly aims to strengthen its developer ecosystem while expanding the reach and impact of software driven ultrasound imaging.
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