As the world struggles to come to terms with the pandemic that is COVID-19, we decided to put together a list of articles that talk about the contribution of technology and showcase how the tech community is coming together in these tough times. This may well be the only silver lining in these dark days. Let’s contribute to this list and add some positivity to all the talk around the Coronavirus today.
This is a live blog, which means it is updated daily. Found an interesting contribution you’d like to highlight? Share it with us and we’ll add it to the list. Let’s spread some positivity!
Wireless Connectivity (5G, Wi-Fi)
5G edge patrol robots deployed in China to detect Covid-19 cases
As part of its effort to contain the spread of Covid-19, China is using 5G patrol robots developed by Guangzhou Gosuncn Robot Co.,Ltd using Advantech technology to monitor mask wearing and body temperatures in public places.
UnionBank heads to the streets with 5G-enabled ‘Bank on Wheels’
MANILA, Philippines: UnionBank is rolling out ‘the country’s first-ever 5G mobile banking kiosk’ to serve customers in various areas in Metro Manila during the enhanced community quarantine brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
How to get Wi-Fi access for students in need
Is your child having trouble completing virtual learning assignments because of limited internet access? Some internet providers want to help during the coronavirus (COVID- 19) pandemic.
Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K- 2 or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. The promotion began March 16.
Video Conferencing & Collaboration (Work@Home, Education, Socializing, Services)
Verizon Launches an Entertainment Series to Help Small Businesses Struggling Amid the Coronavirus
Verizon is launching a weekly streaming series that will include music, comedy, and gaming events to support small businesses affected by the corona virus. Pay It Forward Live will feature live performances and encourage viewers to tag local businesses on Twitter, as well as purchase goods that are redeemable when the business reopens. Kicked off on March 26 with Dave Mathews of Dave Mathews Band singing, strumming, and reminding people to help everyone by staying home and buying on line.
Robotics and AI
How China is using technology to fight coronavirus
In many hospitals, robots are also performing diagnosis and conducting thermal imaging. Shenzhen based company Multicopter is using robots to transport medical samples.
In some of the severely affected areas, drones have come to the rescue by transporting both medical equipment and patient samples. This is saving time, enhancing the speed of delivery and preventing the risk of samples being contaminated. Drones are also flying with QR code placards that can be scanned to register health information. There are also agricultural drones that are spraying disinfectants in the countryside. Drones, powered with facial recognition, are also being used to broadcast warnings to the citizens to not step out of their homes and chide them for not wearing facemasks.
Baidu has also made tools to build effectively screen large populations. It has also built Ai-powered infrared system that can detect a change in a person’s body temperature. It is currently being used in Beijing’s Qinghe Railway Station to identify passengers who are potentially infected where it can examine up to 200 people in one minute without disrupting passenger flow, says the MIT Review.
Artificial Intelligence Assisted Radiology Technologies Aid COVID-19 Fight in China
In Singapore, where open government data has enabled detailed mapping of the outbreak, robots are delivering meals and medication to patients. Some can also talk.
In China, where the virus emerged late last year, robots are disinfecting hospitals, drones are delivering medical supplies and AI is being used to sort scans to spot the infection.
While in South Korea, authorities are tracking potential carriers using cell phone and satellite technology.
AI is used to take the human presence out of the exam room and allow the radiologist to guide the patient through the process contact-free, which also helps to save consumption of personal protection equipment(PPE) which otherwise had to be worn.
Mobile Apps
TraceTogether App
The government of Singapore has created an app called TraceTogether to control contact tracing and help stop the virus from spreading.
From Color Code to QR Code: How China is using technology to fight coronavirus
Whether a person should be quarantined or allowed in public spaces is decided based on the color code. Citizens have to mandatorily log in to the app using pay wallet services like Alibaba’s Alipay, Ant’s wallet etc. Only those people who have been given a green color code are allowed in public spheres after using the designated QR code at metro stations, offices, stations. There are checkpoints at most public places where the code and person’s body temperature is checked. More than 200 Chinese cities are using this system, and soon it will be extended nationwide.
Hong Kong is putting electronic wristbands on arriving passengers to enforce coronavirus quarantine
Hong Kong is using electronic wristbands as part of its effort to enforce quarantines and reduce the spread of the new coronavirus.
The wristbands are connected to a smartphone app and will be used to make sure people actually stay at home.
Verily, Google’s Sibling, Releases COVID-19 Screening Guide For Community Test Sites
The guide provides information based on actual events to help communities under pressure quickly establish test facilities. Some of the procedures were developed with help from automation systems already in place.
This is a live blog, which means it is updated daily. Found an interesting contribution you’d like to highlight? Share it with us and we’ll add it to the list. Let’s spread some positivity!