How does Singapore use Artificial Intelligence to battle COVID-19?
What is AI? and how does it help against the pandemic?
Artificial Intelligence(AI) is the reproduction of human intelligence in machines, primarily designed to “behave” and “think” as humans would. The use of this technology in the fight against COVID-19 has paved the way for many new medical innovations, with more AI-powered gadgets on the horizon! It has not only assisted in the medical field but has also helped make our lives easier. Whether in the form of a smart speaker or military robot, Artificial Intelligence is certain to make its mark on our future!
AI Smartphone Temperature Scanner
One such tool powered by AI is a temperature tool created by the IHiS and Kronikare. They created an AI-automated temperature tool called “iThermo” within a short span of 2 weeks. This tool scans people’s temperatures at a rapid pace as they walk by, alerting the moderator when a person has a fever. iThermo also provides a safe and quick alternative to normal forehead thermometers as the staff operating these tools will not come in contact with people with undetected infections. The device is powered through an Android phone, with additional cameras fitted to allow thermal scanning and facial feature scanning. Artificial Intelligence is used to identify the temperature of the forehead, taking into account the changes in temperature based on the person’s proximity from the device. Additionally, this tool would also be able to take the ambient temperature into account, further reducing the chances of an error.
St Andrew’s Community Hospital began using this tool earlier on in February, with full confidence that this product was functioning as intended. iThermo would not only keep people safe but would also be cheaper to manufacture compared to other temperature screening alternatives. This is one of the many devices showcasing that AI could really benefit us in the fight against COVID-19.
Clinical Assistant powered by AI
Another tool powered by AI is a chat assistant app created by Bot MD. They created a clinical assistant which helps front-line healthcare workers stay alert on the rapidly changing details on COVID-19. The app uses Artificial Intelligence to cite different sources of clinical information from large databases, allowing workers to quickly get an update on crucial information such as drug dosage information, disease guidelines, and the latest updates from the Ministry of Health. Not only does the app’s Artificial Intelligence find resources, but also predicts situations before they can occur, allowing healthcare workers to make informed decisions and allocate necessary resources. The main advantage of Artificial Intelligence, in this case, is its speed and ease of use as healthcare workers would need to solve issues as quickly as possible. This application proves that Artificial Intelligence can not only protect us but can also help us save lives!
