A newborn baby wearing an eye mask lies in an incubator under blue phototherapy lights, likely for treatment of jaundice. The baby is covered with a nappy and a blanket featuring colourful patterns.

AI can detect infection before it’s too late!

Researchers from KTH, in collaboration with Neonatal care at Karolinska University Hospital, have developed an advanced AI system that can detect infections in patients, particularly premature babies, as early as 24 hours before conventional symptoms appear. The project “Explainable Machine Learning for Early Warning Systems” is funded by Digital Futures and led by Saikat Chatterjee, Associate Professor, Division of Information Science and Engineering at KTH and member of Digital Futures Faculty. Since infection symptoms can be subtle and delayed, the technology, which uses sensors connected to hospital beds, allows healthcare providers to initiate treatment much earlier, potentially saving lives. The AI system monitors key physiological parameters, providing valuable insights into the body’s response to infection.

The goal is to alert doctors three days before symptoms manifest, enabling more effective and timely intervention. The technology not only prevents life-threatening conditions like sepsis but also predicts the type of infection likely to occur. While the aim is not to replace doctors, these AI tools are seen as crucial additions to healthcare, offering valuable support to medical professionals in providing optimal patient care.

Radio interview with Saikat Chatterjee on Sveriges Radio P4

More in this interview with Saikat Chatterjee on KTH website

Photo: Praisaeng/Mostphotos

More news

A speaker presents to an audience in a conference room. The slide reads, Resilience is the dynamic capacity to adapt, recover, grow, and advance when facing continuous stress, crises, or major systemic shocks.

Exploring resilience in the digital age

20/08/2026

How can we build digital and physical systems that are better prepared for disruption? This...

A person standing outdoors in sunlight holds a globe in one hand, with a grassy field and bright sky in the background.

Three new Scholars-in-Residence to join Digital Futures

12/08/2026

Three KTH researchers have been awarded funding to host Scholars-in-Residence through the Digital Futures mobility...

Close-up of young green seedlings emerging from soil, with soft focus on leaves and stems. The background is blurred, highlighting the fresh, vibrant growth of the plants.

Seed Projects receive funding to strengthen Digital Futures Working Groups

11/08/2026

Seven research projects have been awarded Seed Project funding from Digital Futures to strengthen the...

Four people wearing VR headsets stand outdoors with their arms raised, facing away from the camera, under a modern-looking, partially covered area.

When the audience becomes part of the story

11/08/2026

A world premiere at Sergels torg demonstrated how mixed reality can create new forms of...