Honeywell unveils new technology using AI
Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) announced that it has developed a new technology, Digital Holographic Microscopy, that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help count and classify tiny particles or cells. This technology can potentially be used across many industries where timely analysis and simplified operations are critical.
Within the healthcare industry, for example, Digital Holographic Microscopy can be used to shorten treatment time for patients receiving at-home peritoneal dialysis. These patients are susceptible to abdominal lining infections – due to the time it takes to send the samples to a lab with specialised equipment, today it can take 1-2 days to diagnose these infections. During this time, the patient’s condition can often worsen if not treated.
To help address this challenge, Digital Holographic Microscopy can capture images of the patient’s dialysis fluid at the point-of-care by using a portable device with a laser, imager sensor and disposable microscope slide. These images are analysed by AI algorithms to rapidly determine if the number and type of white blood cells indicates an infection so patients can receive appropriate treatment more quickly and effectively.
“We are seeing a growing need for solutions that can provide results that are both rapid and precise, empowering healthcare professionals to make informed decisions quickly,” said Sarah Martin, president of Honeywell Sensing Solutions. “We have invested in innovations like Digital Holographic Microscopy because of their power to make testing and analysis more accessible to patients while also improving patient care and efficiency across our healthcare system.”
Beyond clinical care, Digital Holographic Microscopy can be used in environmental applications to analyse types and amounts of various air pollutants to help achieve safer indoor air levels. It can also monitor cells and other organisms in liquid samples for quality and safety.
