Using AI to beat COVID19
The Coronavirus or COVID19 is now amongst us.
Whilst the origins of this virus can be traced back to a fish market in Wuhan, the virus has travelled using modern means of transport making Europe its fastest-growing host. The virus, whilst less deadly than its predecessor SARS-2, is thought to be more contagious and is wreaking havoc on the global economy. The answer, some scientists say, could be Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI has been the buzzword in the start-up sphere, with hundreds of early-stage tech companies using AI expediting new drug discovery. The world’s first drug discovery was announced earlier this year. The drug known as DSP-1181 was discovered using AI and has now entered the clinical trial stage. The breakthrough, however, is the time taken to discover this drug, which was only 12-months using AI, compared to years it would have taken using standard discovery methods.
From discovery to vaccination
However, the use of AI does not just relate to drug discovery. In the fight against COVID-19, it has been used in identifying potential spread and diagnosis. An AI-based diagnosis algorithm developed by Alibaba can complete the diagnosis in just 20 seconds comparing CT-scans. This is a significant reduction as doctors would otherwise take 5 and 20 minutes for this identification.
Another start-up, DeepMind, has published the results of their AI software which details six proteins linked to COVID-19. The start-up hopes that their findings may help analyse the protein structures to better understand how the virus works. This could then help scientists develop the vaccination required to deactivate the virus.
In the meantime, AI-based drones are already being used in China to contain the virus. This is done by using thermal imaging to track compliance of quarantines and to deliver necessary medical supplies.
AI-based robots are also being used to sterilise and decontaminate affected places. These robots are also being used to deliver food and other supplies to hospitals in China.
Supercomputers deployed by major tech companies such as Tencent, Didi and Huawei are running algorithms which can supercharge the discovery of a potential vaccination.
AI-based tech continues to grow and is expected to form a critical part in the fight against COVID-19 and future pandemics. Start-ups based on AI have received substantial funding in recent years, and this is expected to fuel their continuing growth.