Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore have developed a human-like, artificial intelligence–powered digital replica aimed at studying disease progression and supporting early diagnosis. The team showcased this innovation at the Madhya Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference, held in Bhopal on January 15.
Simulating Human Physiology for Disease Analysis
At its core, the AI model functions as a digital twin of the human body, capable of mimicking selected physiological activities to analyse how diseases impact different organs. By simulating fundamental human responses such as breathing and blinking, the system allows researchers and clinicians to observe disease behaviour within a controlled virtual environment. Consequently, this approach holds promise for improving preventive care strategies and treatment planning.
Bridging Technology and Healthcare
Developed with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under a national interdisciplinary research mission, the project seeks to bridge advanced technology with clinical medicine. Through sophisticated modelling and AI-driven simulations, the digital twin enables deeper insights into human biology and disease dynamics that are often difficult to capture through conventional methods alone.
Expanding Beyond Lung Simulations
As reported by vohnetwork, currently, the research team is focusing on lung simulations to understand respiratory disease mechanisms more precisely. However, the team plans to progressively integrate cardiovascular, neurological, and other organ systems, thereby creating a more comprehensive and interconnected human digital model over time.
Clinical Validation with AIIMS
Meanwhile, clinical validation of the digital twin is underway in collaboration with multiple All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) centres. These partnerships aim to ensure that the virtual simulations closely align with real-world clinical data, strengthening the model’s reliability and translational potential.
Advancing Personalised and Predictive Healthcare
Once fully developed, the AI-powered digital replica is expected to help medical professionals better understand complex disease mechanisms, virtually test therapeutic interventions, and support more personalised healthcare approaches. Ultimately, this initiative represents a significant step in India’s expanding focus on AI-driven healthcare innovation, positioning digital twin technology as a powerful tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes.