Smart electronics: how Demcon uses AI to make the world a better place
What do a baby with sleep apnea, a robot that inspects water pipes, and a lung cancer patient have in common? They all benefit from artificial intelligence. AI expert Marnix Zoutenbier of technology company Demcon will explain how Demcon uses AI to create a better world at the Electronics & Applications trade fair, held from September 23rd to 25th at Jaarbeurs Utrecht.
FHI spoke with Zoutenbier and his colleague, electronics architect and business developer Mark Heitkamp, about the impact of AI on the electronics world. While Zoutenbier emphasizes the technological side, Heitkamp focuses on the software and hardware. After all, AI technology only works if the electronics in the product are powerful enough. In this article, the two men use three practical case studies to discuss why AI, when deployed responsibly, enriches the world.
Case 1: Premature babies with sleep apnea
Apnea is a condition in which breathing briefly stops during sleep. In premature babies, this can affect brain development. A quick and accurate diagnosis prevents much suffering. Zoutenbier explains how AI can be helpful in this regard.
“Premature babies are usually placed in incubators with sensors on their bodies that monitor their breathing. Along with Demcon macawi respiratory systems, a sister company specializing in ventilators, we are developing the Macawi SERA cardiorespiratory sensor. This sensor qualifies signals using AI technology. We use advanced deep learning algorithms, such as recurrent neural networks (RNNs), for this purpose. The algorithms recognize patterns in respiratory signals and distinguish different types of apnea. This provides pediatricians with direct insight into the type of apnea and allows them to base their treatment accordingly.
Heitkamp adds: “We're working with various teams and disciplines on this project. Marnix and his colleagues are developing the algorithms, my team is working on the electronics in the sensor, Macawi is responsible for the hardware, and pediatricians from the UMC are contributing ideas for practical applications.”
Zoutenbier: “A lot is possible, but sometimes you run into practical dilemmas. A larger chip has more capacity, but comes with higher costs. So, it's a matter of finding the most cost-effective solution possible that offers the required high-quality apnea detection. Furthermore, the hardware must be easy to use, meet the hospital's user requirements, and be comfortable for the patient, especially for this target group.”
Case 2: With a 'hose robot' through the Dutch water supply network
The significant impact of AI on society is also evident in the second case study the gentlemen highlight: the hose robot. The KWR Water Research Institute commissioned the development of this inspection robot for water pipes. The robot had to be capable of navigating the Netherlands' 42-year-old water network independently, while detecting cracks, leaks, and corrosion. Heitkamp: "That was a challenge for our engineers. The robot had to be agile and flexible, have sufficient storage capacity, and be waterproof. And all of this in the smallest possible size, otherwise it wouldn't fit in the housing."
Zoutenbier adds: “Thanks to AI, the robot knows what to do in unexpected situations, such as a blockage, leak, defect or split. We train advanced machine learningmodels based on thousands of simulated scenarios, allowing the robot to make independent decisions. Without AI, this wouldn't have been possible or far too time-consuming. Previously, it was a matter of waiting for a water pipe to break. Now, water company employees can take targeted action to prevent a defect. This saves time, money, and frustration. At the same time, we remain alert to potential limitations, such as the risk of AI misinterpreting unexpected situations.
Case 3: Qualifying malignant lung cancer
Zoutenbier and Heitkamp are particularly proud of an AI project Demcon is working on on its own initiative: CT scans that can determine the nature of lung cancer based on synthetic data. This is simulated data that mimics real data. Zoutenbier: “The major advantage of synthetic data is that you're not dependent on input from doctors. We generate lungs in 3D, including a lung nodule. Then we simulate a CT scan of the lungs and the nodule. Based on many simulated CT scans, a model can interpret the nature of nodules. For example, a malignant tumor appears red; a benign tumor remains white.”
Deep learning-Algorithms recognize changes in lung tumors faster than traditional methods. "However, these algorithms require more training data to work well. Synthetic data is the ideal solution for generating the necessary training data. This ultimately allows you to analyze and diagnose the tumors better," Zoutenbier continues enthusiastically. "This is interesting for pathologists and radiologists. At the same time, the use of synthetic data in the medical world is controversial because it's new. You can generate all sorts of things, but to what extent is it accurate? In other words: how are you going to validate it? The algorithms are still under development, but I'm confident they'll turn out well."
Heitkamp adds: “Medical electronics must comply with stricter regulations than regular electronics. In the field of synthetic data, the notified bodies We haven't yet taken a position. Then the device is ready for testing, but we can't proceed due to legal obstacles. That's very frustrating, however understandable. The medical sector has always been traditional, yet it's at the forefront of technological innovation. Doctors certainly recognize this, but they often lack the time to participate in a project that will only yield results in the long term.
Vision for the future and invitation
The gentlemen are in complete agreement on one thing: (medical) electronics combined with AI has the potential to change the lives of millions of people. Heitkamp: "At Demcon, we're developing meaningful products. That energizes me."
Curious about Demcon's experiences with AI in electronics? Then come to the lecture and visit booth #9B036 at the E&A trade fair. The lecture will be held on Wednesday, September 24th, from 2:00 PM to 2:40 PM at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. Register for free for the presentation and the fair.
More information about Demcon can be found here:
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