Microsoft’s Battle Against the Coronavirus: Innovations and Solutions to Tackle the Pandemic

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft is deploying innovative bots, and that’s merely the start of their efforts.

Software developers are actively creating tools aimed at tracking individuals who encountered COVID-19 patients before symptoms appeared, developing molecular models for new vaccines and treatments, and simulating the impact of various responses on the spread of the virus.

According to Desney Tan, managing director of Microsoft Healthcare and chief technologist at IntuitiveX, a Seattle-based life sciences consulting firm, “The pandemic demands every resource available from tech companies.” Tan stated during a COVID-19 Technology Innovation Summit held by IntuitiveX and the U.S.-China Innovation Alliance, “It’s unlikely that COVID-19 will be the virus that brings humanity to its knees. We’re confident this isn’t the end, but it serves as a significant warning.”

In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Microsoft has transformed its existing Healthcare Bot service into a self-screening tool assisting individuals in determining whether they require treatment for COVID-19.

The Coronavirus Self-Checker, which launched on the CDC website recently, poses questions regarding a user’s location and symptoms, guiding them on whether to contact a medical professional.

Microsoft’s bot, named Clara, has achieved far greater success compared to Tay, the AI chatbot that caused the company significant challenges in 2016. “This technology is now implemented in hundreds of healthcare systems,” Tan highlighted. “The CDC’s website continues to experience substantial traffic, with millions of daily interactions tracked through this chatbot.”

Microsoft is also diligently gathering data related to the pandemic. On one front, they have initiated the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset in partnership with Seattle’s Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and other collaborators to enhance access to high-quality coronavirus information for researchers. Conversely, as Tan mentioned, Microsoft is observing data flows to identify and mitigate “the fake and misleading information flooding various platforms.”

Behind the scenes, Microsoft collaborates with public health experts to create predictive models regarding virus transmission, software resources for medical resource allocation, and strategies to trace COVID-19 patients’ contacts without compromising personal data privacy. “This is indeed complex, leading to extensive discussions within Microsoft, various government sectors, and among our communities,” Tan remarked.

Additionally, a vital focus for Microsoft will be to establish the digital foundation for diagnostic testing and facilitate the development of new vaccines and treatments. The company is already involved in a consortium aimed at granting COVID-19 researchers access to advanced computing resources. “Simulations that previously took months to complete can now be conducted in just days, or even hours, setting a new paradigm for research,” said Tan.

The insights gained during this crisis will resonate long after the pandemic subsides. “While it may be premature to speculate on the aftermath, I firmly believe that a crisis of this magnitude will fundamentally reshape society and business in profound ways,” Tan commented.

He emphasized that technologies such as AI, robotic augmentation, telecommuting, and telemedicine will become increasingly significant in the world post-pandemic. “I would anticipate a wider range of systemic changes as well,” Tan added, highlighting the importance of government medical reserves and preparedness, domestic manufacturing, and a re-evaluation of regulatory restrictions.

Tan expressed awe at the rapid transformations occurring globally. “It’s evident that no one can navigate healthcare and pandemic preparedness in isolation anymore,” he observed. “It’s inspiring to witness collaboration across industries and diverse individuals joining forces globally. … Those who can adapt and navigate these changes effectively will likely emerge as leaders in shaping the future.