Key Highlights
- AI technology can detect if a person is faking a cold from the tone of their voice.
- Researchers achieved 70% accuracy in detecting colds through voice analysis.
- AI technology may continue to develop for workplace health and wellness monitoring.
A new AI technology has been developed that can detect if a person is faking a sick day by analyzing vocal patterns to detect the presence of a cold in a person’s voice. Researchers at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat have developed a technology that can detect if a person has caught a cold from the tone of their voice.
Also Read: Google Set To Challenge Open AI ChatGPT With Self-Made/ In-House AI ChatGPT Tool
Detecting a cold from vocal patterns
According to a report published by Business Insider, the researchers were able to successfully analyze the vocal patterns collected from 630 people to detect the presence of a cold. The researchers utilized machine-learning algorithms to analyze various individuals’ amplification differences and spot those who were suffering from a cold.
The people subjected to the experiment were asked to count from 1 to 40 followed and then describe the activities they did over the weekend. They were further asked to read Aesop’s fable titled The North Wind and the Sun. The accuracy achieved by the study in detecting a cold was 70 per cent.
Also Read: Microsoft Visual ChatGPT Is The New Hype: How To Use This Advanced AI Chatbot
Accuracy and concerns
The study showed that out of the 630 people who were actually suffering from a cold, the technology was able to correctly identify 111 of them. The accuracy rate of 70% achieved by the researchers in detecting a cold using vocal patterns is impressive, but it also raises concerns about the potential for false positives and false negatives. False positives occur when the technology incorrectly identifies an employee as being sick when they are not. False negatives occur when the technology fails to identify an employee as being sick when they are.
Also Read: Here’s How To Use The Viral AI Chatbot ChatGPT: A Step-By-Step Guide
Ethical implementation
It is important that employers use this technology ethically and with consideration for employee privacy. While AI technology can be a useful tool in detecting fake sick leave, employers should not rely solely on technology to manage sick leave and absenteeism. It is essential that employers create a culture of trust and transparency in the workplace and that they continue to prioritize employee well-being.
