It was after a 2019 soccer match in Hammanskraal. The Mphahlele twins, Masego and Matlhogonolo Mphahlele watched as an injured player from their soccer team had to wait hours before an X-ray scan could be taken after he was rushed to the hospital.
Watching their teammate, alongside other tired patients, wait long hours for a simple X-ray scan, the South African twin sisters grew impatient. Right there, an idea hit them. They began to envision how fast people could get their X-rays done if only a device could take X-ray scans on the spot.
While attending a tech event later that year, they recall the incident at the hospital that fateful day. Thus, they were inspired to create digital X-ray glasses that would perform instant X-ray analysis with accurate diagnosis. This way, others would not have to wait for crucial medical help amid an emergency.
“We got the idea for the goggles from a cartoon show called Phineas and Ferba while growing up.” – the twins.
Now 22 years old, the twins have successfully launched the Digital X-Ray Glasses at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria through their company, Twin X Innovation.
The Innovation
The first prototype built in 2019 did not quite work; it only represented their idea. However, the twins worked alongside students from the University of Johannesburg and then the experts at Red Bull, a contest they later entered, to develop the second prototype of the digital X-ray glasses.
“Growing up in the rural areas of Hammanskraal was quite challenging. When we started the project, we were not exposed to resources such as Innovations Hubs, and we got a lot of criticism from our peers.” – Matlhogonolo.
The glasses use advanced imaging technology to provide instant, clear images of internal body structures without needing traditional X-ray machines. This invention’s significant advantage lies in being portable and radiation-free, making it safe for frequent use. This revolutionary idea promises a future where healthcare is more accessible and would greatly benefit remote or underserved areas with limited access to medical facilities.
Possible impact on healthcare
Compared to current X-ray technology, these glasses are portable, user-friendly, and can change how X-rays are performed in hospitals. They have the potential to transform healthcare, especially in emergencies. Just think of how relieving it would be if a paramedic could quickly assess a broken bone at an accident scene without waiting for traditional X-rays.
Doctors can get instant images of a patient’s bone structures, saving time and reducing the need for bulky machines. Patients would also benefit from this, as quicker diagnosis leads to faster treatments. These glasses could make this happen.
“They told us X-rays were too complicated and could not be performed using glasses. But we believed in our idea. Even if it doesn’t work as expected now, it will work better in the future.” – the twins.
Masego and Matlhogonolo have made waves with their invention of digital X-ray glasses. Their hard work earned them a spot in the Red Bull Basement Global Finals, where they showcased their idea to a global audience, beating 125 other innovations.
The twins had always dreamed of inventing something great as children. They now look forward to a future where medical technology in South Africa will be one of the global giants of innovation and manufacturing.
They hope their digital X-ray glasses will lead to safer, faster diagnoses and plan to keep developing their invention. They also look forward to developing advanced solutions in the medical and security space.
