In the ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the strategic incorporation of AI-based solutions has emerged as a pivotal asset.
The ascendance of AI applications stands out as a remarkable success story in the technological realm over the past decade. With India grappling with the challenges posed by the second wave of the pandemic, a collective effort involving researchers, scientists, IT companies, and entrepreneurs has been launched to explore innovative approaches to combat the virus.
This post will explore the multifaceted contributions of AI, ranging from comprehending the virus’s structure and impeding its spread to the pivotal aspects of detection and diagnosis in COVID-19 patients. Across India, both established organizations and nimble start-ups are at the forefront of leveraging AI to develop solutions that hold promise in mitigating the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
As indicated in a PwC report, the adoption of artificial intelligence has surged by 45% during the pandemic, marking the highest increase compared to other countries globally.
The ‘Global AI Adoption Index 2021’ by IBM highlights a substantial uptick in the demand for AI, driven by evolving business needs stemming from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent market research conducted by IBM unveils that approximately one-third of IT organizations worldwide have integrated artificial intelligence into their operations.
AI-Powered Strategies in Confronting COVID-19
Explore a myriad of AI applications and gain insights into the utilization of AI-based solutions in combatting the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India.
Detection and Diagnosis of COVID-19
In India, the RT-PCR test has been widely employed for diagnosing COVID-19. However, the extensive demand for this test across diagnostic centers in the country has strained its capacity, and its efficacy may be compromised, particularly in identifying new mutant variants.
With an increasing number of individuals resorting to CT scans and chest X-rays for diagnosis, there’s a heightened strain on the health management system. Unfortunately, the availability of Computerized Tomography (CT) facilities is limited and often expensive, especially in remote areas of India.
Addressing these challenges, the Defence Research and Development Organization has introduced Atman AI, an AI application designed for COVID-19 detection. Leveraging machine learning, Atman AI swiftly assesses radiological images of the lungs, providing insights into COVID-19 infection and its severity within seconds. The application classifies chest X-rays into categories such as normal, COVID-19 positive, and pneumonia, demonstrating an impressive accuracy rate of nearly 97% in detecting COVID-19 in X-ray scans of RT-PCR positive patients.
Notably, Mumbai-based start-up ‘Qure.ai’ has pioneered Qxr, a chest X-ray screening tool powered by deep learning algorithms. This automated tool excels in identifying abnormal findings in chest X-rays in under a minute.
Furthermore, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, has introduced COVIRAP, a fast and cost-effective method for COVID-19 detection. Comprising a pre-programmable automated temperature control unit, a detection unit based on genomic analysis, and a specially crafted smartphone app for results, COVIRAP offers a rapid and accessible solution in the fight against COVID-19.
Managing Law and Order Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
To effectively navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Telangana police have harnessed the power of AI through a dedicated technological application. This sophisticated AI software seamlessly integrates with the extensive network of CCTV cameras strategically placed throughout the state.
The utilization of this AI-based system empowers the Telangana police to swiftly identify and apprehend individuals who violate public health mandates, such as not wearing masks in public spaces. Through the integration of AI-powered surveillance, the police can efficiently extract data about violators. Importantly, all information stored within the system is securely encrypted, ensuring the utmost privacy and protection.
In addition to this technological initiative, the Telangana police have embraced drone technology developed by the tech company Cyient. This innovative approach enhances their ability to manage and monitor situations, particularly in densely populated areas where traditional surveillance may be challenging.
Meanwhile, Glimpse Analytics, a Pune-based startup, is contributing to the cause by deploying its AI analytics device. This device serves as an alert system for retailers and shops, aiding in the identification of individuals who are not adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing norms. Through these strategic technological interventions, law enforcement agencies and innovative startups are collaboratively shaping a more efficient response to enforce public health measures during the ongoing pandemic.
Health Management Initiative
Yellow Messenger, a leading conversational AI platform, introduced Yellow Messenger Cares, a dedicated endeavor with the primary objective of creating cross-channel help chatbots focused on COVID-19. This innovative initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to hospitals, NGOs, medical and healthcare support groups, as well as businesses, enhancing their capabilities in health management during the ongoing pandemic.
Information Assistance through AI
MyGov ‘Saathi,’ an AI-powered chatbot, serves as a reliable source for delivering accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19 to users. This collaborative effort emerged from a partnership between Accenture and Microsoft in conjunction with the Government of India’s Digital India Corporation.
Capable of accommodating a substantial user base, Saathi is designed to efficiently handle up to 300,000 users daily. In a similar vein, ‘Introbot,’ a WhatsApp-based chatbot, complements Saathi by furnishing users with a verified database detailing the availability of essential resources such as hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, plasma, and other critical medical supplies.
Drug Repurposing: Unleashing AI in the Quest for COVID-19 Cure
The process of drug development and discovery is not only exhaustive but also entails significant expenses. In the pursuit of finding a cure for COVID-19, AI-based solutions have emerged as a transformative approach to repurposing existing drugs.
The increasing integration of AI-based solutions in India underscores the versatile role that AI can play, not only in state-level epidemic management but also in addressing global pandemics like COVID-19.
One noteworthy player in this arena is the Indo-German company ‘Innoplexus,’ which has been actively exploring the potential and efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine (a malaria treatment drug) and Remdesivir (used in Ebola treatment) against the Coronavirus.
In 2020, the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology in Delhi pioneered a groundbreaking drug repurposing AI model. This innovative model aids in the selection of drugs that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses sharing a genomic structure similar to that of the Coronavirus. The synergy between AI technology and drug repurposing endeavors marks a promising frontier in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.
The remarkable success of AI applications in areas such as early diagnosis, contact tracing, tracking, misinformation prevention, and the dissemination of crucial information regarding vaccine and drug development against the Coronavirus underscores the transformative impact of AI in the ongoing battle. Serving as a powerful resource, AI has not only significantly contributed to India’s fight against the pandemic but has also elevated the overall functioning of the healthcare industry. The synergy between technological innovation and healthcare has proven to be a key driver in navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 landscape, promising a more resilient and efficient healthcare future.
