Google, in collaboration with the Department of Defense, has developed a prototype called the “Augmented Reality Microscope” (ARM).
This device integrates artificial intelligence to provide real-time visual aids, such as heatmaps and object boundaries, assisting in the easier classification of samples, including the detection of cancer cells or pathogens.
Though ARM was introduced in 2018, it hasn’t been used for patient diagnoses yet. Currently, there are 13 ARM prototypes, and extensive testing is required before it can be incorporated into regular medical practice. Google’s vision is to modify existing hospital and clinic microscopes to incorporate ARM.
This would allow for diverse visual feedback like text, arrows, contours, and animations, all customized for specific diagnostic purposes.
The Defense Innovation Unit of the Department of Defense is in talks with Google to introduce ARM in the military, aiming for availability to certain government sectors this autumn.
The projected cost of ARM is between $90,000 to $100,000, making it potentially unaffordable for local healthcare providers. The tech company‘s focus on AI-enhanced tools in healthcare isn’t new.
The company has consistently collaborated with AI-centric startups to refine diagnostics and address the shortage of healthcare professionals.
Over the past ten years, Google’s investments in AI-related healthcare improvements are estimated at over $200 billion. This is crucial, given the World Health Organization (WHO) prediction of a 15 million global healthcare worker deficit by 2030.
Earlier this month, Google agreed to a $93 million settlement with California over accusations of unauthorized consumer data collection, according to a statement from the state’s attorney general.
The investigation by the California Department of Justice revealed that Google misled users by gathering, storing, and utilizing their location data for profiling and advertising without proper consent.
Attorney General Rob Bonta mentioned that Google committed to take steps to halt such practices, extending these measures to other states as well.
