HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN BEAT CORONA OUTBREAK?

Mankind is currently under a threat. It is a harsh reality and we all are going through it. Unfortunately, it is because of the Coronavirus Outbreak Globally. As China was reporting the outbreak of this virus in December 2019, it was taking other countries as well into its fold one by one. As soon as the war on COVID-19 was declared the Tech giants stepped out in full force to figure out means and methods to curtail the outbreak of this Pandemic.

Currently, numerous companies, based in different parts of the world, are brainstorming to come up with feasible, effective and promising means and technological devices to control the further spread. And the outcome of this effort is that we have now incorporated Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and technology to thwart this pandemic. Numerous conglomerates across the globe have joined the roundtable with WHO to integrate and dispense useful information to the different parts of the world. On top of that, they have also innovated technologies that can help us accelerate the problem-solving phase.

Take a look at all those countries and companies which have leveled up and gained ground in tackling this situation.

Tracking Locations

Starting with the simplest yet the most crucial technological bounty: cellular devices. Across the world, cellular devices are being used to track and identify the areas of public gatherings. However, in countries with strict privacy compliances such as Italy, anonymized location data is being used to identify public spaces. In India, L&T has also become active in combating coronavirus. has clinched deals with 20 cities to provide information on public gathering directly to the local Police.

Forecast Outbreaks

Question: What gives you an edge over your enemy? The answer is pretty easy; you need to know your enemy’s next move. So, in the present scenarios where C0VID-19 is our enemy, we need to track and forecast the outbreaks. This is only possible with the help of technical equipment. A Canadian Startup, BlueDot does provide this service of tracking infectious disease risks using Artificial Intelligence. It is among the first companies to step up against coronavirus.

Tech in diagnosing the virus

One of the most important, yet challenging tasks, is to come up with a technology that has the power to diagnose the virus. A company that exclusively deals with Artificial Intelligence named InfraVision came up with a solution. Their system can detect and monitor the disease efficiently. Researchers also came up with supercomputers in China which can help diagnose patients with chest scans. An Israel-based company named Nanox has also joined the team of technology against COVID-19 . And it has come up with a mobile digital X-ray that uses AI to diagnose and prevent outbreaks. Isn’t technology more than just surfing the net? If you believe, technology is a boon to the modern world!

Drug Discovery

In times when there is no sure vaccine to curb this disease, AI companies are coming up with amazing solutions to develop drugs. Companies such as Alibaba (China-based), Benevolent AI (London-based), are incessantly trying to use Artificial Intelligence to come up with feasible solutions and drugs that can effectively combat this virus. Another research-center headed in the USA has collaborated with Itkos, an AI company to come up with novel drug designs. With efforts being put in from all corners of the world, we do have hope. Because it is hope, that keeps us all moving ahead.

Tech for delivering items

Five Feet Apart? No, we need to stay at least at a distance of 6 feet from one another. In a time when other animals are also being affected by this virus, Technology has an upper hand. No doubt about that. So, around the world, drones, robots, machines, and other latest technologies are being employed for supplying medicines, food, utilities to the needy people. A company named TerraDrone is extensively employing aerial vehicles to transport all the quintessential things. Also, a China-based Delivery app named Meituan Dianping has started using autonomous vehicles for contactless delivery. Many other companies and research centers are scheming on more.

Information Sharing:

Open any app, any website, or any search engine, you will always get a flash about useful information to fight or, at least, protect yourself from Coronavirus. Twitter, Google, and specially devised Apps from WHO, Arogya Setu, and other authentic social media platforms have authentic and updated information about this outbreak. Some chatbots can also help in addressing queries and problems. WeChat is an app being operated by Tencent and it gives free access to online health consultation services around the world.

Technology to play a role in Post-Pandemic scenarios.

The world is at a standstill. Companies are not operational thus the economy is also in the doldrums. Once this over, the economy is going to be badly hit. So, many Artificial Intelligence companies are trying to analyze the current situation to provide a feasible and reliable solution. A China-based company WeBank has already undertaken the project of tracking the scenario and coming up with effective solutions. You might have heard “Modern problems need modern solutions”. Well, in this context, it sits perfectly fine. Amidst the Coronavirus outbreak, Technology has taken control but it sure needs supervision by humans. In the coming times, we will witness more upsurge in the use of technology to fight this pandemic. So, till then stay home, stay safe and rely on technology!