Can AI help defeat Corona Virus? Yes, Startups and Universities are leading the battle!
2020 is half over already under the grips of a deadly Virus haunting the World in fears. We all had imagined and planned for an amazing year when we welcome the New Year and all those wishes seem to have diminished or postponed along with people losing their loved ones to an invisible micro-organism. Mankind has made immense progress in the last couple of decades in terms of Technology, Healthcare, Nutrition, to name a few. Even with such advancement, are we not able to curb the spread all around the World? There’s always a Silver Lining, let’s see how!
The Covid 19 pandemic is the biggest healthcare crisis of the 20th century that is claiming lives every day. There are a lot of efforts to mitigate the spread of infection by Public and Private sector. The Vaccine is yet to be discovered and the pandemic is far from over. Vaccine Development across the World are in different stages and a conclusion is yet to be arrived at to save people’s lives. Amid this Development, Artificial Intelligence, the modern technology is helping solve the greater problems arising out of the crisis. Startups and Universities that are based on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are solving problems in various stages of healthcare. In this blog, we’ll discuss different applications of Artificial Intelligence across the World.
1.Taiwan based Docsun Clinical AI Laboratory develops advanced testing solution.
The Taipei based and Boston-backed startup is a team of AI enthusiasts who are working on a faster testing method that is AI based using Cheat X-rays. The existing testing methods take 6–48 hours including the logistical time to test the sample and provide a clarification of infection. Docsun Labs is currently in Human trials in association with China Medical University to assess their Development testing method. This startup aims to solve the key issue is treatment i.e testing.
2. Boston based Biofourmis is employing AI and Wearable to detect Covid infection.
Wearables are the modern day accessories that many people use. The devices are advancing from versions to version both in terms of design and technology. They are also able to determine the bodily functions of a human wearing them. Understanding the bodily fluctuations such as change in heart beat rate, respiration rate and significant parameters. This health surveillance is being administered by the Hong Kong Health Department in association with Hong Kong University on more than 3000 people who are under Quarantine.
3. Kerala-based AI Aerial Dynamics develops drones to determine and manage Social Distancing Efficiency.
An unmanned AI-powered Aerial Drone is developed by an Indian startup AI Aerial Dynamics to determine body temperature of public, disinfectant spraying, and is also fitted with a loudspeaker for Public Announcement. The drone named Garud is currently deployed for maintaining Social Distancing efficiently by the local police. The aerial vehicle has numerous sensors, GPS, Surveillance systems fitting in it and works in real time. The robust drone can carry payloads of up to 60 kg which helps deliver groceries in Containment zones.
4. Canadian startup DarwinAI develops Covid testing tool using Chest X-Ray.
Researchers from University of Waterloo and Artificial Intelligence startup DarwinAI together develop a testing tool based on Chest X-rays which analyze abnormalities in the respiratory organs of a human. The virus attacks the respiratory system of an infected individual that leads to development of abnormalities in the lungs during the incubation period of 14 days. The benefit of the tool is that the individual can be subjected to testing even when there are no symptoms to display and can confirm beforehand.
5. Oxford-based AI Startup Ultromics is deploying Artificial Intelligence to study Covid effects of Heart.
The UK-based startup Ultromics is extending the research by deploying advanced algorithms to study the heart using echocardiography. The Startup has currently partnered with Mayo Clinic to study the development of patterns in Covid active and recovered cases. The healthcare system is currently focusing on respiratory effects on the infection and this startup is advancing its region of study. The Startup has also received FDA clearance to conduct automated echo cardiogram assessment and quantization to understand the future implications of Covid-19.
The world currently is fearing the deadly virus which has infected nearly 11M people around the world. Staying at home and maintaining Social distance in public areas have become the new norms. Until a vaccine is found, these norms will have to stay to save more people. With the Healthcare community striving without rest to save as many people as possible, the tech community’s initiatives to support them is commendable. Technology is for the betterment of the human race and this situation has strengthened the need to further technological progress across the world.
