New system for detecting broken bones using AI developed at UW

A new system has been developed by a team of researchers at the University of Waterloo that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose broken bones.

The system works by using an antenna to scan a broken bone with microwaves, then another picks it up by using an AI classification system that has been trained to identify various types of fractures. It is expected to be used in areas such as ambulances and sports fields to get diagnoses to doctors quicker and for less cost.

Dr. Omar Ramahi, a professor at UW’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said their method is safer because of the lower levels of radiation that is given off compared to an MRI or an X-Ray machine.

“This system operates at a very low frequency… the power our system uses is less than what a cell phone uses,” said Ramahi. “So, practically, the health effect is null.”

Applications of the technology could also be used in other biomedical and non-medical applications, such as detecting faults and flaws in building structures and airplane fuselages.

A prototype for field testing is expected to be completed within a year to 18 months.