Draft:V-DOC

V-DOC (Vital Doctor) is a healthcare technology initiative developed by four high school students in Kuwait. The project aims to address challenges in rural healthcare delivery through the deployment of an autonomous medical robot known as the Biomedical Autonomous Rural Medic (B.A.R.M.).

A diagram of B.A.R.M

Overview

V-DOC was conceptualized in 2024 by Zaid Aboobacker, Fadel Kandapath, Adnan Sabeer, and Ali Hamza Ahmad, all students who all formerly studied in Kuwait. The initiative seeks to enhance healthcare accessibility in rural regions, particularly in India, by utilizing robotic technology to perform routine health assessments and facilitate virtual consultations. The team filed a utility patent for their invention in India under the number 202441057141.

B.A.R.M. Robot

The core component of the V-DOC project is the B.A.R.M. (Biomedical Autonomous Rural Medic) robot, designed to autonomously navigate rural areas and conduct health check-ups. Designed to be equipped with various medical sensors, B.A.R.M. can measure vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, body temperature, weight, and height. It also includes a spirometer for assessing lung capacity and breathing rate. It further includes blood and urine sample collection facilities for laboratory analysis.

B.A.R.M.'s navigation system employs technologies like stereo cameras, LIDARs, and inertial measurement units to traverse village terrains and reach patients' homes. The robot is designed to operate independently, in order to ensure consistent medical attention for residents in remote locations.

Ecosystem

To enhance B.A.R.M.'s capabilities, the V-DOC project conceptualizes an integrated ecosystem comprising four components:

1. B.A.R.M.: The autonomous medical robot responsible for conducting health assessments.
2. Smart Base: A hub facilitating interactions between B.A.R.M. and other components. It includes a refrigerated unit for specimen storage, a charging station for B.A.R.M, an RTK base for navigation, and solar panels for sustainable power.
3. Health Center: The nearest medical facility equipped with blood and urine testing capabilities and housing the transfer drone.
4. Transfer Drone: A drone designed to transport specimens and medications between the health center and the smart base.

The ecosystem envisions three primary interactions:

1. Transfer of Specimens: B.A.R.M. collects samples and transfers them to the smart base's refrigerated unit. The drone then transports these specimens to the health center for analysis.
2. Transfer of Medications: Post-diagnosis, medications are sent from the health center to the smart base via the drone. B.A.R.M. then dispenses the medications to patients as prescribed.
3. Communication System: The smart base serves as the communication hub, utilizing cellular networks where available or satellite communication in isolated areas. Communication between B.A.R.M. and the smart base employs LoRa technology, facilitating updates on specimen deposits, emergency messages, and other requirements.

Development and Recognition

The V-DOC project originated from a science and technology event in Kuwait, where the students' initial prototype secured third place in an open category competition. This early success motivated the team to further develop their concept into a comprehensive healthcare solution.

The project has garnered attention from various media outlets, including coverage in the Kuwait Times, Madhyamam, and Manorama Online, highlighting its potential impact on rural healthcare delivery.

Current Status

As of 2024, The project is in the development phase.