How the UAE is fighting coronavirus with emerging, smart technologies?

The United Arab Emirates is known for its progressive approach to smart, futuristic technologies. UAE is leading the way in the adoption of smart technologies in fighting coronavirus. The UAE has made better use of advanced and smart technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, AI, drones and robots, to support its efforts to contain the virus. As we mark World Creativity and Innovation Day amidst this pandemic, let us discuss how UAE is fighting coronavirus with emerging, smart technologies.

World’s Largest COVID-19 lab outside China

G42, a leading technology company based in Abu Dhabi launched a massive-throughput laboratory to address the need for population-scale detection and diagnosis of COVID-19 in the UAE.  The lab is capable of conducting tens of thousands of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests per day and is the first in the world of this scale to be operating outside of China.

Genome sequencing

Dubai’s COVID-19 Command and Control Centre, CCC, announced the UAE’s first full genome sequencing of the virus. The successful sequencing of the virus from a patient in Dubai was performed by researchers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, MBRU. By studying the genetic sequence of the virus and the minor changes over time from many patients, scientists can get a better understanding of how the virus spreads, which can also inform about measures to control the outbreak.

Drive-through COVID-19 screening centers

Several mobile drive-through COVID-19 test centers for all community members were opened across the nation, as the UAE is stepping up measures to contain the outbreak of the virus. Each facility is equipped with world-class medical professionals and equipment and allows for an average capacity to conduct the five-minute test for 600 persons daily.

Smart helmet for thermal screening

Dubai Police is using a smart helmet that uses thermal screening on people using public transportation in the emirate in a step to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The helmet can detect the temperature and using Artificial Intelligence, helps in face recognition and identifying car plate numbers. The “super-intelligent helmets” are capable of monitoring the temperature of people within five meters.

Sterilization robots

The General Administration of Civil Defence in Abu Dhabi has deployed robot TAF35 on the streets to support the sterilization operations. The robot can be controlled from a distance of 300 meters and is capable of pumping large quantities of sanitizing and disinfecting materials.

Drone in National Disinfection Programme

Dubai Municipality conducted the massive National Disinfection Programme with advanced technology in sterilization operations, such as drones to enhance the speed and smoothness of these operations effectively and progressively. Sharjah Police use drones to urge people to stay home.

Self Sanitisation Walk

Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services launched its first “Self Sanitisation Walk” to protect paramedics and their colleagues and families from the risk of various kinds of infections. The new device helps paramedics safeguard themselves from any infection that their clothes may catch while working with patients confirmed and suspected of having COVID-19.

Contactless device to identify medically at-risk travelers

Etihad Airways to trial new technology, which allows self-service devices at airports to be used to help identify travelers with medical conditions, potentially including the early stages of COVID-19. The technology can monitor the temperature; heart rate and respiratory rate of any person using an airport touchpoint such as a check-in or information kiosk, a bag drop facility, and a security point or immigration gate.

World Creativity and Innovation Day, WCID, a global United Nations, UN, a day celebrated on 21st April, to raise awareness over the importance of creativity and innovation in solving problems for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in all aspects of human development.

With inputs from WAM/Tariq al faham

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https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302837892

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