Introduction to a Life-Saving Innovation
A University of California, Berkeley student has created an artificial intelligence startup to help people detect strokes and other medical emergencies. This innovative idea is the brainchild of Ashmita Kumar, an undergraduate who founded Code Blue, a startup that utilizes basic devices such as computers, cellphones, or smart TVs to detect early signs of strokes.
The Motivation Behind Code Blue
Kumar’s motivation to use AI for medical emergencies stems from personal experience. Her grandfather suffered a stroke when she was a child, and her father displayed similar symptoms four years ago. Although her father wasn’t having a stroke, the event left her with the idea that technology could be the answer to responding to time-sensitive medical emergencies like strokes.
How Code Blue Works
Code Blue uses cameras and microphones on cell phones, computers, and other smart devices, with the help of AI, to detect early signs of strokes. The technology analyzes the user’s speech and facial images every 30 seconds, scanning for changes such as slurred words or facial expressions. If it detects any abnormal signs, it alerts the user and can even call for help.
Privacy Concerns Addressed
In the interest of privacy, Kumar ensured that the images and sounds analyzed by Code Blue are deleted and not stored. The idea is that users set it up and then forget about it, as Kumar stated. This approach addresses potential privacy concerns, making the technology more appealing to users.
Pilot Testing and Future Plans
Kumar first introduced her idea at an innovation summit in 2023 and was overwhelmed by the interest from attendees. Currently, she is working with doctors at the University of California, San Francisco on a pilot test program with five patients. Her team is also seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which would allow her invention to be more widely used.
Competing for the InVenture Prize
On Wednesday, Kumar will take her invention to the Atlantic Coast Conference InVenture Prize competition, where she will pitch her idea to a live audience and panel of judges at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. The winner will receive $30,000 and the satisfaction of making a difference. According to Darren Cooke, UC Berkeley’s interim chief innovation and entrepreneurship officer, "Ashmita’s work is a great example of Berkeley students using technology and innovation for the greater good."
Conclusion
Code Blue has the potential to revolutionize the way we respond to medical emergencies like strokes. With its innovative use of AI and basic devices, it can detect early signs of strokes and alert users before it’s too late. As Kumar competes for the InVenture Prize, her invention is one step closer to making a significant impact on people’s lives. With further development and approval, Code Blue can become a lifesaving tool for many, and Kumar’s story serves as an inspiration to young innovators to use technology for the greater good.
