Artronix
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Biomedical computing |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Arne Roestel |
| Defunct | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Maplewood, Missouri , United States |
| Products | PC12 minicomputer, peripherals and software for Radiation Treatment Planning and ultrasound imaging, brain imaging and computed tomography systems |
Artronix Incorporated was established in 1970, emerging from a computer science initiative at Washington University School of Medicine located in St Louis. This endeavor produced a 12-bit minicomputer that eventually developed into the PC12 minicomputer. Artronix made its entry into the biomedical computing sector by offering peripherals and software designed for Radiation Treatment Planning and ultrasound imaging. The initial programming was done using assembly language and FORTRAN, before transitioning to MUMPS. The company conducted its operations from two facilities within Hanley Industrial Park, Maplewood, Missouri.
The company broadened its scope to include brain imaging and computed tomography systems by utilizing the Lockheed SUE 16-bit minicomputer. Later versions incorporated an optional vector processor based on AMD Am2900 bit-slices to enhance tomographic reconstruction speeds. Their scanning device employed a fan-shaped beam equipped with 128 detectors mounted on a rotating gantry, enabling data collection over 540 degrees to minimize noise interference. This technology produced 3mm thick slices, which were often combined for visualization purposes. Initial models were primarily designed for cranial imaging, followed by scanners capable of whole-body applications. Although the CAT-3 (computerized axial tomography) system initially achieved success, it was eventually surpassed by advances in PET and MRI technologies. Artronix discontinued its operations in 1978.
Arne Roestel, the company's founder, went on to create Multidata Systems International. In recognition of his leadership at Artronix, Roestel received the Small Business Administration’s Missouri Small Businessman of the Year award in 1976 and was also honored by President Gerald Ford.