AI smart mirror project launched for young cancer survivors

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is taking part in a £5 million research project aimed at improving the long-term cardiovascular health of young cancer survivors through an AI powered smart mirror.

The smart mirror device, known as an iCare Health Hub, imitates the work of a health coach and tracks heart rate and other important health indicators in adolescents and young adults, using Al to offer tips on exercise, diet, and stress relief.

If the mirror spots a warning sign, such as high blood pressure or elevated stress levels, it suggests checking in with a doctor.

Professor Nirmalie Wiratunga, associate dean for Research at RGU’s School of Computing, Engineering, and Technology, said: “I’m passionate about bridging a critical gap in healthcare for young cancer survivors, especially the long-term heart risks that often go unnoticed.

“By harnessing AI, we can provide a personal, empathetic health companion that helps people manage their day-to-day wellbeing.

“We want to show how AI can be a force for good in healthcare, by highlighting the importance of explainable and transparent AI.

“We hope that by responsible use of AI, and through its continuous monitoring and personalised intervention it can help reduce the risk of major cardiac events in young cancer survivors by 30%.”

The project focuses on preventing health issues that can emerge after cancer treatment known as late effects and is  hoped to lead to a 15% reduction in hospital visits related to heart issues.

It leads on the development of the conversational AI that underpins the device and ensures the AI-generated content is ethically sound and clinically acceptable

The team making up the multidisciplinary Horizon EU consortium is a large-scale collaboration of 16 partners—including universities, research institutes, patient associations, and technology companies—across Europe, led by Ioanninon University in Greece and Universidad de Castilla–La Mancha in Spain.

Professor Xavier del Toro García, an associate professor at the Universidad de Castilla, said: “AI will play a central role and the advances in recent years and the pace in which this field is evolving makes it even difficult to foresee what the project can achieve in the next four years.

“On the other hand, it is very challenging to address what trustworthy AI implies and requires in digital solutions for health and care.

“For us, as technical lead, it is an honour and brings a great deal of certainty to have RGU and the group led by Professor Nirmali Wiratunga on board with their expertise and strong background in this field.”

Horizon Europe is funding the research, which is due to begin in summer 2025, under ‘Research and Innovation Actions supporting the Mission on Cancer (HORIZON-MISS-2024-CANCER-01)’.