Researchers at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Hyderabad have developed a new AI-based tool to improve how malnutrition is detected in children. This tool is being created by the Raj Reddy Centre for Technology and Society at IIIT-Hyderabad and aims to replace the traditional method of manually recording measurements, which can often lead to human errors.
The researchers have introduced two ways to use this new tool with a smartphone. In the first method, the phone is placed above the child’s head to take two pictures: one of the weighing scale reading and another of the area directly in front of the scale. In the second method, the child stands against a wall with a height chart, and a photo of both the child and the weighing scale is taken. These images are then analyzed to determine the child’s height and weight, which are compared to standard growth charts to estimate malnutrition. The app provides pictograms to guide users on how to position the smartphone and the child correctly for taking these photos.
The app also alerts users if malnutrition is detected and sends this information to parents and relevant parties. Currently, the AI used in the app is being developed to support both English and Hindi languages.
The researchers are also considering using 3D anthropometry, which involves creating 3D models from 2D images, as part of a larger project to reduce health issues in newborns through automatic measurements. This is part of the ongoing efforts by the RCTS to create innovative AI solutions for healthcare.
