Tracking and Predicting the Path of Infection Outbreaks
In today’s world, advanced AI algorithms can intercept, read, and analyze huge datasets to uncover potential epidemics. One example is BlueDot: software that tracks, locates, contextualizes, and anticipates the spread of infectious disease. This solution helps doctors identify where to perform tests; it can help eradicate the epidemic and save thousands of lives.
Six Solutions to Tackle the Coronavirus Pandemic
The pandemic brings with it a host of challenges. However, if we implement the right technologies, we can tackle each one and contain, even eradicate, the virus. Here’s a selection of tools every nation could use in the fight.
AI-Powered Smart Glasses
One of the main symptoms of Coronavirus is a fever. That’s why the Chinese police have been equipped with AI-powered smart glasses – made by Chinese technology start-up Rokid – that allow them to measure the temperature of the general population from a distance of up to one meter in seconds.
Robo-Receptionists
General advice is to work from where you can. However, not everyone can work remotely. Think of employees in hospitals, doctor’s clinics, banks, shops, the list goes on. These are roles with frequent human contact, none more so than employees at a reception desk. So, another way to reduce the risk of infection is to replace human receptionists with robots. Sounds far-fetched? Think again.
Smart City Monitoring
During an epidemic, we must avoid crowded spaces. But how can AI help us do this? Well, using a solution like the Visual Crowd Detector: an artificially-intelligent algorithm, developed by polish company Tooploox, which highlights where people are gathering.
Tracking and Diagnostics
If we’re to defeat the virus, we need to track who’s infected. A company leading the charge on testing and diagnostics is Infervision. It has created an AI-based solution that helps front-line clinicians detect and monitor the disease more effectively. Infervision’s solution was first used at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan – the source of the outbreak – before other cities in China adopted the technology.
Prediction Software for Ventilator Need
Ventilators are the critical piece of equipment in the fight against Coronavirus. But how can we know which countries need them most at any given time? Thankfully, computer scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a computer model – using artificial intelligence – to determine the probability a patient will need a respirator; or treatment in intensive care.
A WHO Chatbot
Everyone wants to know what’s going on with the Coronavirus. But how can we access the most reliable news? Now, it’s easy. Whatsapp recently launched a chatbot in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), offering a system that provides the latest reports and numbers in real-time.
And a Few Ideas from DLabs
We’ve covered six examples, but they’re just a drop in the ocean of possibility. As big data and technology obsessives, our team has spent time discussing (and trying to develop) new technologies that can help in the fight against COVID-19.
Conclusion
The pandemic has brought out the best in us, and technology has played a crucial role in the fight. From AI-powered smart glasses to robo-receptionists, smart city monitoring, tracking and diagnostics, prediction software for ventilator need, and a WHO chatbot, the solutions are endless. The world needs our collective effort to contain and eradicate this virus, and technology can be a powerful ally in this battle.
FAQs
Q: What is the most effective way to track the spread of COVID-19?
A: Advanced AI algorithms can intercept, read, and analyze huge datasets to uncover potential epidemics.
Q: How can we reduce the risk of infection in public spaces?
A: Implementing smart city monitoring solutions, such as the Visual Crowd Detector, can help identify crowded areas and alert authorities to take action.
Q: What is the most promising solution for detecting and monitoring COVID-19?
A: Infervision’s AI-based solution has shown great promise in detecting and monitoring the disease, with a 96% accuracy rating.
Q: How can we ensure that ventilators are allocated efficiently during the pandemic?
A: Computer models, such as the one developed by the University of Copenhagen, can predict the probability of a patient needing a ventilator, helping to allocate resources effectively.
Q: What is the most effective way to access reliable information about COVID-19?
A: The WHO chatbot, launched in partnership with Whatsapp, provides the latest reports and numbers in real-time, ensuring that users have access to the most accurate information.
