Google is expanding the capabilities of modern artificial intelligence systems by developing technology to detect early signs of disease through human-produced sounds. The company is training a basic AI model called HeAR (Health Acoustic Representations) on 300 million audio recording fragments, including coughs, signs of runny noses, and breathing difficulties. This initial data will help identify individuals who may be sick with conditions such as tuberculosis.
Partnering for Wider Reach
To deploy this technology more effectively, Google has partnered with Salcit Technologies, an Indian company specializing in AI technologies for respiratory diseases. This collaboration aims to make the technology accessible via smartphones, particularly benefiting citizens in high-risk groups living in regions with limited access to healthcare.
Google’s Ongoing Health AI Initiatives
This project is not Google’s first venture into digital representations of human senses for health purposes, adds NIX Solutions. The company’s specialized division has previously supported a startup developing AI capable of identifying diseases through smell. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of these innovative health technologies as they develop.
Google continues to explore various applications of AI in healthcare, demonstrating the potential for technology to improve early disease detection and accessibility to health services in underserved areas.