Monday, Jun 26, 2017
Dubai: An Iranian graduate from a Dubai university has invented air quality technology that allows people with respiratory diseases to detect harmful air toxins.
By using a set of algorithms based on artificial intelligence, the technology allows patients to manage breathing and lung conditions better.
The invention is the brainchild of Ali Payani, who has a Master’s in Information Technology from the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), a branch of the Australian university.
Payani got the idea from living in Dubai and Iran where air quality is hugely influenced by dust storms.
“I looked at the effect of bad air quality on people’s health and thought something needed to be done to enhance their quality of life,” he said.
His mother is amongst thousands of patients who suffer from a chronic respiratory disease.
“Since I’m an artificial intelligence expert, I came up with the new technology and algorithm that can decrease the amount or even prevent respiratory diseases,” he added.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with 250,000 deaths are attributed to the disease annually.
It is estimated that asthma patients will grow by more than 100 million by 2025.
“AI is already part of our daily lives from our smartphone’s interface to online shopping recommendations,” said Mohammad Watfa, an associate dean of the university branch’s engineering faculty.
“We are proud to have our alumni, Ali Payani, join this revolutionary wave with a project of an even higher impact that could potentially save lives.”
Staff Report
Gulf News 2017. All rights reserved.
