Article source: HiNZ. Image source: Unsplash, Mo

Three international research projects led by Aotearoa New Zealand research teams have been awarded $5.1 million to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could provide improved access to healthcare.

The projects will use AI company Soul Machines’ autonomously animated Digital People to explore how this technology could advance the development of New Zealand’s digital health research ecosystem and provide more personalised care.

“The world is being shaped by technological advancements, including in artificial intelligence, which are set to revolutionise healthcare,” says Loveday Kempthorne, manager international science policy, MBIE.

Two projects will be led through the University of Auckland, with one looking into developing a digital person to provide customised mental health support, and the other looking to support patients with chronic metabolic disease that struggle to understand their condition and how to manage it.