The computer tomograph Somatom Smile has an especially pleasant look for a medical device due to its soft outlines and colors. All of the electronic components are housed in the connection element between the gantry and patient's table. Operational security was an important aspect in the development. The patient's table can be simply controlled via a joystick. It is a low maintenance device: the casing parts made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic can be removed with a turn of the hand. The users of a SOMATOM Smile can do regular routine maintenance on their own without the assistance of a service technician.