Google, together with the US Department of Defense, has developed an AI-powered “Augmented Reality Microscope” (ARM) prototype to overlay visual indicators such as heat maps or object boundaries in real time. It is claimed that thanks to artificial intelligence, it will be easier to classify samples and detect the presence of cancer cells or pathogens.artificial intelligence microscope
Although the Augmented Reality Microscope ARM was first introduced to the public in 2018, it has not yet been used to detect diseases. There are currently 13 prototypes of ARM available, and significant testing is still needed before it can be helpful to everyday clinicians. But the goal, according to Google, is to create a system that can be “adapted to existing light microscopes found in hospitals and clinics.” ARM-equipped microscopes will then be able to provide a variety of visual feedback, including text, arrows, contours, heat maps or animations, each tailored to unique evaluation goals.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit is negotiating deals with Google that would allow ARM to be distributed through the military, and it hopes it could be available to some government users this fall. The ARM is expected to cost between $90,000 and $100,000. This cost exceeds the means of small and medium-sized healthcare institutions.
However, this is not the first time Google Health has invested in AI-powered tools that not only increase the accuracy of diagnoses but also help fill gaps in the medical field where healthcare personnel are limited. It is estimated that the technology giant attaches importance to partnering with startups investing in artificial intelligence to “improve healthcare” and has invested more than $200 billion in artificial intelligence investments in the last decade. Considering that the World Health Organization predicts a shortage of 15 million healthcare workers worldwide by 2030, the use of artificial intelligence in the field of healthcare can provide great benefits.
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