Scout TB: An AI Robot for the Screening of Tuberculosis Among Prisoners – A Novel Technique

Abstract

This manuscript details the development and application of Scout TB, an AI-empowered robotic system, specifically designed to enhance tuberculosis (TB) screening processes within prison settings. In regions like India, where TB poses a significant public health challenge, the dense population and constrained healthcare resources in prisons exacerbate the difficulty of effective disease management. Scout TB integrates artificial intelligence and robotic technology to autonomously perform specimen collection, conduct health screenings, and deliver educational health interventions among incarcerated populations. This approach not only aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of TB detection but also addresses the critical need for cost-effective healthcare solutions in such high-risk environments. By automating routine health inspection tasks, Scout TB reduces the reliance on manual labor, thereby offering potential cost savings and reducing the exposure risk for healthcare workers. The study evaluates Scout TB’s role in advancing prison healthcare through its innovative use of AI and robotics, emphasizing its potential to significantly impact public health outcomes by streamlining TB screening and education in under-resourced settings.