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 group of people in formal attire stand outside a building, smiling and holding a long blue and yellow ribbon for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Two banners are displayed behind them.

Stockholm invigde ny AI-sandlåda för framtidens hållbara städer – Stockholm Digital Sandbox

29/05/2026

Den 29 maj invigdes Stockholm Digital Sandbox och Stockholm Urban Innovation Lab vid Kristinehovs Malmgård...

A person stands in front of a screen giving a presentation. The slide reads, Women don’t need more sympathy. We need more engineering. A laptop sits on a small stand nearby. The setting appears to be an indoor meeting room.

Breakfast seminar highlighted new technology for Home-based Hormone Diagnostics

28/05/2026

On Thursday 28 May, researchers, students and guests gathered at the Digital Futures hub for...

People are seated at tables in a modern conference room, attentively listening to a presentation titled digital futures displayed on a large screen at the front. The atmosphere is professional and collaborative.

Swedish Ministry of Finance visits Digital Futures to discuss public sector digitalization

26/05/2026

On 25 May, around 20 representatives from the Unit for Digitalization of Public Administration at...

Digital Futures Faculty Workshop explores entrepreneurship, innovation, and societal impact

26/05/2026

On 21 May 2026, around 70 researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and invited guests gathered at the...