Google is actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its consumer products, including Gmail, Docs, YouTube, and Drive. Beyond these applications, the tech giant is exploring innovative AI use cases in various sectors.
One of its most notable endeavors is the development of an “Augmented Reality Microscope” (ARM), designed to aid medical professionals in detecting cancer.
The ARM project, a collaboration between Google and the Department of Defense, is an advanced microscope equipped with AI capabilities.
It offers real-time visual enhancements, such as heatmaps and object boundaries, to the user. The patent for this technology describes it as a microscope that provides real-time visual projections, like heatmaps or annotations, as the user shifts the slide or adjusts the magnification and focus.
These visual cues are designed to help pathologists identify and classify samples, especially in determining the presence of cancer cells or pathogens.
Introduced to the public in 2018, the ARM is still in its testing phase and hasn’t been employed for patient diagnosis. Currently, 13 ARM prototypes are under evaluation, with the aim of supporting doctors in their daily clinical tasks.
Google’s vision for the ARM is to seamlessly integrate it into existing light microscopes commonly found in medical facilities. These upgraded microscopes would offer a range of visual feedback options, from text and arrows to heat maps and animations, each customized for specific evaluation objectives.
In addition to the ARM, Google has been venturing into other AI-driven projects. Recent reports indicate that the company is experimenting with a generative AI chatbot, similar to Bard. This chatbot is designed to offer users guidance and life lessons during challenging times. Google DeepMind, the newly established AI division of the company, is reportedly developing 21 diverse AI solutions.
To ensure the effectiveness of their chatbot, Google collaborated with Scale AI, a contractor, to evaluate the bot’s ability to respond to personal and intimate questions.
In summary, Google’s commitment to harnessing the potential of AI is evident in its wide range of projects, from consumer products to advanced medical tools like the ARM. As the company continues to innovate, the integration of AI into everyday tools and services is set to revolutionize various industries.
