The Use of AI During Covid-19
The utilization of AI and machine learning services and data science technologies by artificial intelligence development companies around the world is pushing the limits of the technology to detect, monitor, and contain the COVID-19 outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus. The development of new and effective cures using this technology is also carried out extensively.
The initial report of the disease from Wuhan, China, took its toll first, and it has now become a global emergency and is currently, a pandemic. The rate at which the disease spreads is terrifying and has already infected populations in at least 100 other countries, apart from China.
As of now, the world is relying upon intelligent and intuitive technologies, and starting from China, it has since then leveraged its technology sector’s strong suits – especially AI and machine learning services, data science, and other technologies, to counter the novel coronavirus pandemic. These technologies have been initiated with the motif of detecting, monitoring, and combating the pandemic.
The Chinese tech giants and other companies have also implemented their strategies by harnessing these powerful technologies to expedite healthcare initiatives acting out the role of artificial intelligence development companies.
Even massive collaborations are carried out with global clinicians, academics, and government bodies by tech startups. The vitality of this integral involvement among such organizations is certain in ways conceivable for developing and activating futuristic technology as a countermeasure to the rapidly spreading pandemic.
So how are these technologies aimed in achieving perfect containment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic
Detection, Monitoring, and Forecast of the Outbreaks
Without an efficient monitoring facility for the coronavirus, there seems to be no way to conceive an effective combat strategy to counter this epidemic. As a result, news reports, social media platforms, and government documents are analyzed at substantial scales with the help of AI to learn and detect outbreaks from anywhere. A startup company specializing in monitoring and tracing contagious disease risks with the help of AI technology has been providing this service. This company’s AI technology had already warned about the coronavirus threat much before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) issued their public warnings.
Integrating AI in Diagnostics Procedures
Another artificial intelligence development company had instigated an effective solution using AI and machine learning services for helping front-line healthcare workers efficiently identify and monitor the disease. It was developed due to the steep climb in the workload faced by healthcare organizations’ imaging departments, which has become draining on them due to the novel coronavirus. As a result, this solution was built to considerably enhance the diagnostic speed of CT scans. A Chinese e-commerce company has also developed a similar diagnosis system that is powered by AI, has a claimed 96% accuracy rate, and is capable of detecting the virus within seconds.
Faster Healthcare Claims Processing
Apart from the clinical operations division of healthcare systems, which is already catching up with the surge in patient numbers, there are also other divisions, such as the business and administrative wings, that face a similar dilemma. So, to effectively reduce the amount of face-to-face interaction between patients and hospital employees, another technology was built using a blockchain platform. This platform has greatly sped up healthcare claims processing procedures.
Delivery of Medical Supplies by AI Drones
As drones are classified as unmanned aerial vehicles, they are also one of the most effective means of delivering medical supplies safely and in a faster manner during a disease outbreak situation. Drone manufacturing companies have now started using their unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver medical samples and quarantine material with the least possible risk between major disease control centers and hospitals. Even for patrol purposes, drones are now being deployed in areas such as public spaces, for tracking non-compliance with quarantine mandates, and for thermal imaging purposes that can detect a person’s body temperature.
Advanced Protection Fabrics
The healthcare officials are now armed with face masks and fabrics that have anti-pathogen, anti-bacterial properties. The fabrics are made using metal-oxide nanoparticles.
Automated Robots
Automated robots are now being deployed in response to this pandemic, as they aren’t vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. They can perform and complete important protocols such as sterilization procedures and food delivery, which reduces the need for human-to-human contact. These robots pack an ultraviolet light under their belly and autonomously does the sterilization task of killing any pathogen present in their designated areas. The food delivery is done by catering robots in the catering industry, and they have been delivering food to many hospitals.
Drug Development using AI
AI and machine learning services are highly used to develop AI algorithms and their computing power to figure out the novel coronavirus’s protein makeup and to publish these findings to develop cures for the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug development companies are now using AI systems to develop drugs that treat coronaviruses. The predictive capabilities of AI can propose treatments using existing drugs.
Identifying of Non-compliant or Infected Individuals
The use of facial recognition and temperature detection software using AI technology was integrated into sophisticated surveillance systems in China. Although this method is highly controversial in invading the privacy of an individual, it was able to identify people who were showing signs of fever and were more likely to carry the virus. Officials were also armed with “smart helmets” with thermal imaging to identify fever-stricken people. Big data was also used to develop a monitoring system that analyzes travel histories, time spent on virus hotspots, and potential exposure to people carrying the virus. This system was developed and used by the Chinese government to identify and assess the risk factors of each individual. Popular mobile apps are used to assign citizens a risk factor based on color codes (red, yellow, or green). When the apps are used, this color code will indicate whether or not an individual has to be quarantined or should be allowed in public.
Usage of AI Chatbots
The popular mobile apps in China provide free online health consultation services that can be availed of by people while accessing the apps. Chatbots powered by AI have also been an essential means of communication. The assistance of these chatbots is used by travel and tourism industry service providers. These chatbots were able to update travelers regarding the latest travel procedures and disruptions.
Coronavirus Vaccine Development using Supercomputers
Major Chinese tech companies are now using cloud computing resources and supercomputers that can fast-track the development of a cure or vaccine for fighting the novel coronavirus. These systems perform at breakneck speeds and can run calculations and model solutions in the blink of an eye.