Butterfly Network has announced plans to extend access to its proprietary 3D imaging capabilities by releasing a new Beam Steering API for third-party developers. The planned release, expected in the first half of 2026, will allow external partners to build advanced AI-enabled image acquisition tools using core imaging functions that have so far been limited to Butterfly’s own applications.
The API will be made available through Butterfly’s Butterfly Garden and Ultrasound-on-Chip co-development programs and is designed to support innovation in portable and point-of-care ultrasound. According to the company, opening access to its digital beam steering technology is intended to improve usability and image quality as ultrasound moves earlier in the care pathway and into a wider range of clinical settings.
API opens access to software-based 3D beam steering technology
At the core of the API is Butterfly’s electronically steered 3D imaging software, including off-axis beam tilt of up to 20 degrees. These capabilities can reduce dependence on precise probe positioning, helping clinicians capture consistent, high-quality images across varying levels of experience.
“As the first to offer digital beam steering access to developers, Butterfly is changing the game for imaging AI, empowering more advanced tools that simplify image acquisition,” said Steve Cashman, Chief Business Officer of Butterfly Network. “As our platform evolves, Butterfly partners gain access to more of our core imaging capabilities, allowing them to build richer, more sophisticated applications. That ecosystem dynamic can accelerate development and drive adoption by helping ultrasound reach more providers, earlier in care and across more settings.”
Unlike conventional ultrasound systems, Butterfly’s platform is based on a semiconductor ultrasound-on-chip architecture, using a fully electronic 2D capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array with approximately 9,000 elements. This design enables software-defined beam steering in all three dimensions without mechanical movement.
“Because our beam steering is implemented entirely in software on a semiconductor chip, we already support advanced imaging modes like Biplane, iQ Slice, and iQ Fan on our own platform,” said Victor Ku, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of Butterfly Network. “That same architecture is what allows us to thoughtfully open these core capabilities to third-party developers through the new API.”
The company said the planned SDK access is expected to support advanced imaging workflows across selected presets, including abdominal, cardiac, obstetric, musculoskeletal, vascular and lung imaging. Final availability and scope will depend on ongoing development work, regulatory requirements and partner agreements.
Source: Butterfly Network, Inc.
