European photonics scientists have developed a new ‘autocorrect’ image processing algorithm to reduce X-ray scatter, meaning children can receive safer, high contrast, low dose X-rays. Clinicians will be able to take a low radiation, digital X-ray image - without the need for an anti-scatter grid - thanks to new innovative ‘scattering suppression software’.

Glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration will be quicker and easier to diagnose thanks to a new scanner being developed to capture real time and artefact-free eye images. European researchers are developing a new real time scanner that will create a full image of a moving eye without any blurring.

Chemical plants will become safer places to work with a reduced risk of injury, chronic respiratory ailments or even death, thanks to a new air sensor being developed to detect toxic and explosive solvents using photonics.  

Wimbledon fans, who consume 34 thousand kilos of strawberries every year, could one day get their strawberries picked by a small group of new robots, developed in Europe, that use photonics to detect a fruit, and are capable of gathering enough berries for the championships in less than a week.