Artificial intelligence VS COVID-19

 Artificial intelligence (also commonly known as AI) is a wide-ranging branch of computer science responsible for building smart machines that are capable of performing tasks that are typically carried out by humans. Artificial intelligence can aid in the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, an event that has shaped all of our lives for the past six months and will forever change the way that we live our day to day lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed multiple challenges to the artificial intelligence industry, however, it can present many possibilities in the road to recovery.
The innovative technology can be used to track trends and to predict the future of the pandemic, whilst it has not been overly successful so far there is hope in the industry as new technologies arise each day and present their advantages and opportunities. This innovative technology can therefore aid in decision making that can slow the spread of the virus. 

Deep learning technology can help to predict old and new drugs, vaccines or treatments that might treat the virus. Several large institutions have already adopted AI so they can identify treatments and develop prototype vaccines in the hope to finally find a treatment. Several companies such as DeepMind have already used deep learning to predict the makeup of proteins associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Throughout the pandemic, false information from inaccurate sources has flooded the internet, to combat this search engines and social media networks are using personalised AI tools that incorporate a specialised algorithm to scan the internet and detect this misinformation, consequently removing it from the internet to prevent the spreading of this false news and reduce fear in the general public. 

Artificial intelligence technology could also aid in the early diagnosis of the virus which could then contribute to the studies of how the virus spreads and can allow for the limitation of contamination. 

How you can slow the spread of coronavirus:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Find out the key information about COVID-19 here.