In a groundbreaking move, a team of researchers from the Faculty of Engineering at Mahidol University plans to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance forensic science techniques in the investigation of sex-related crimes. This innovative project has garnered financial support from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest (BTFP), shining a light on the potential of AI to revolutionize forensic pathology.
Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 9,000 rape cases were reported, highlighting a growing issue in society. Narit Hnoohom, a professor at the faculty and project leader, emphasized the alarming trend of rising sex-related crime statistics, while the number of medical workers and forensic scientists steadily declines. In such cases, gathering forensic evidence to establish a perpetrator’s guilt is crucial, but the shortage of professionals in forensic pathology has led to significant delays in completing laboratory tests.
This is where the proposed AI system comes in, offering the potential to greatly assist pathologists in detecting sperm in samples taken from crime scenes. According to Mr. Narit, this innovative technology can increase the processing capacity from 28 cases per day to an impressive 160 cases daily. Furthermore, it can reduce the average processing time for each case dramatically, from 17 minutes to just three minutes.
Not only does the AI technology promise to expedite case processing, but it can also enhance the accuracy of sperm detection, with a stunning 97.2% precision rate. The information fed into the AI system is derived from the expertise of forensic scientists and pathologists working in the field. In the near future, the faculty plans to roll out a trial version of the AI system at Siriraj Hospital.
But the ambitious team doesn’t plan to stop there. Mr. Narit envisions implementing the AI-powered system at other key establishments, such as the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Central Institute of Forensic Science, in an effort to fortify the battle against sex offenders. This innovative approach to forensic investigation has the potential to reshape how evidence is gathered and analyzed in sex-related crimes, providing swifter justice and serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.
As technology continues to develop, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the integration of artificial intelligence into fields like forensic science can prove invaluable. This project, led by Mr. Narit and the dedicated researchers at Mahidol University, serves as a prime example of how AI can be harnessed to make a real difference in society, promoting public safety and bringing criminals to justice more efficiently than ever before.
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