German technology company Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the R&S IMAGER, a new inspection system that uses millimeter wave imaging to look inside sealed packages without opening them or using X-rays. Designed for industrial production lines, the system enables manufacturers to detect hidden defects and missing components while products continue moving along the conveyor belt.
Unlike conventional inspection methods that rely on cameras, weight checks or X-ray systems, the R&S IMAGER uses non-ionizing millimeter waves to create detailed three-dimensional images of the contents inside a package. These images can then be analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify missing parts, damaged products or assembly errors in real time.
According to Rohde & Schwarz, the technology is designed to help manufacturers improve quality assurance while maintaining production speed. Because the system uses non-ionizing radiation, it is also safe for sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals and does not affect the quality of food or other packaged goods.
Addressing a Gap in Pharmaceutical Inspection
The company believes the R&S IMAGER could address a long-standing challenge in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where traditional camera-based and weight-based inspection systems are often unable to verify the contents of sealed packages.
Since millimeter waves can penetrate materials such as cardboard, laminated seals and secondary packaging, the system can confirm whether products such as syringes, needles and autoinjectors are present and correctly assembled inside each package. AI software analyses the 3D images to identify missing or incorrectly positioned components without slowing production.
The use of non-ionizing millimeter waves also ensures that sterile pharmaceutical products remain unaffected during inspection while helping manufacturers meet strict regulatory requirements and reduce the risk of costly product recalls.
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Applications Beyond Pharmaceuticals
The R&S IMAGER is also aimed at logistics operations, where verifying the contents of sealed shipments remains a challenge. Traditional weight checks cannot always determine whether the correct product has been packed, while visual inspections only examine the outside of a package.
By scanning through cardboard, plastic and composite packaging materials, the system provides an internal view of each shipment and can detect missing products, misplaced items or damaged goods. When integrated into conveyor systems, AI algorithms analyze every scan in real time, helping reduce manual inspections and improve inventory accuracy.
The technology could also support manufacturers that are adopting more sustainable packaging materials, as it can continue to inspect products even when packaging is less transparent.
Supporting Food and Beverage Manufacturers
For food and beverage companies, the R&S IMAGER offers a way to inspect sealed cartons, multipacks and glass containers without opening them. The system can detect missing products, damaged contents and sealing defects that may not be visible during external inspections. Rohde & Schwarz says the technology can even identify small changes such as the loss of vacuum inside sealed glass bottles.
By detecting defects earlier in the production process, manufacturers can reduce waste, improve product quality and minimize the chances of defective products reaching consumers.
Expanding Industrial Inspection Capabilities
Rohde & Schwarz says the R&S IMAGER has been designed to integrate with existing production control systems, allowing manufacturers to add advanced inspection capabilities without major changes to their production lines.
As manufacturers continue to automate production and face stricter quality requirements, the company believes millimeter wave imaging combined with AI could provide a more comprehensive alternative to conventional inspection methods by allowing every packaged product to be inspected quickly and consistently before it leaves the factory.
