Villa Chronos: automation and AIR mode in a remote-controlled R/F room

What Chronos is and why it won a Red Dot Design Award

Chronos is a compact, fully integrated digital R/F system with isocentric tilting, an extra-large tabletop that can be reached from four sides and a low tabletop height that makes transfer from a stretcher easier. The product received the Red Dot Design Award 2026, which recognises its industrial design; for a buyer the more practical point is how that design translates into patient handling and operator comfort.

A 12″ touchscreen console and a touchscreen collimator with joysticks put most functions within reach of the operator at the table, which reduces trips to the control room during longer examinations.

AIR mode: examining stretcher and wheelchair patients

AIR stands for Anatomy on Image Receptor. In this mode the tube and detector are positioned beyond the tabletop, so direct and lateral exams can be performed on patients lying on stretchers or sitting in wheelchairs without transferring them to the table. This suits trauma centres, emergency departments and multipurpose rooms where patient condition limits movement.

When you evaluate any R/F system for emergency use, ask how many manual steps are needed to switch between table work and AIR-type exams, and who is needed in the room to do it.

Chronos features and options

The published feature set focuses on automation and dose awareness. Real-time DAP monitoring and virtual collimation support dose control, while DICOM connects the system to HIS, RIS and PACS. For the integration side, see digital radiography and PACS.

Optional modules include DSA, tomosynthesis and a second wireless detector. Confirm in the quotation which of these are part of the delivered configuration.

• AIR mode with tube and detector beyond the tabletop
• Extra-large tabletop accessible from four sides, low tabletop height
• Automatic dual anti-scatter grid with parking
• Automatic full-leg and full-spine stitching, upright and supine
• 12″ touchscreen console and touchscreen collimator with joysticks
• Optional tomosynthesis, DSA and second wireless detector

Applications: GI, paediatric, orthopaedic and contrast studies

Chronos covers gastrointestinal, paediatric, orthopaedic and contrast studies. Automatic stitching of the full leg or full spine in upright and supine positions is relevant to orthopaedic departments; our guide to full-spine and long-leg imaging explains the method and what to check.

For a broader view of the category, see our overview of remote-controlled fluoroscopy systems.

Chronos or Apollo: how to decide

Apollo DRF is Villa's established R/F table; Chronos is the newest generation with more automation and AIR mode. If your priorities are stretcher and wheelchair patients, a compact room and fewer manual operations, look closely at Chronos. If you want a proven table for a standard GI and urography mix, compare Villa Apollo DRF feature by feature.

In both cases, request the room layout, the power and shielding requirements and a service plan before you commit. UAE facility licensing and device registration requirements should be confirmed with the relevant authority for your emirate. Beckfinity specialists can prepare a quote, layout and installation plan for Chronos on request.