udSustainable Mannequin Robotic Telepresence forudMaternal Mortality Reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa

摘要

This study presents a cost-effective, energy-efficient and eco-friendly solution that couldudsignificantly reduce maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Low-income cmmtries can exploit the hugeudpotential of ICT to effectively handle the challenge of shortage of qualified medical consultants and specialistsudwhich has become a serious threat to sustainable development in the region. Unfortnnately, availableudtelepresence solutions in telemedicine have extremely low penetration in emerging economies due to relativelyudexorbitant costs and lack of reliable power grid. Therefore, we developed a context-adaptive roboticudtelepresence, Sustainable Mannequin Robotic Telepresence (SMART) which is well-suitable for remote wardudrormding in Sub-Saharan Africa. Two IF network cameras that commrmicates over the Internet using Wi-Fiudtransceiver module available on raspberry pi were housed in a plastic mannequin to minimize cost. The systemudwas designed to operate on solar PV system or free energy alternative source to ensure availability of requiredudelectrical power at low cost. SJ.1ART system gives a better impression of the physical presence of a physician.udThe results of the comparative cost analysis of SJ.1ART with robotic telepresence available in the marketudshowed that our system is more affordable with better efficiency thus increasing the chances of maternaludmortality reduction among rmderserved populations.