Revolutionizing Pandemic Response: IoT-Based Drone System Offers Real-Time COVID-19 Detection

Shah Alam, Malaysia — A multidisciplinary team of researchers from Management & Science University (MSU), University of Baghdad, and Institut Teknologi dan Kesehatan Jakarta has developed a pioneering IoT-based drone system designed to detect COVID-19 symptoms from the air—introducing a safer, faster, and contactless method for virus surveillance during pandemics.

The paper, published in the International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, proposes a real-time temperature monitoring and diagnostics solution using thermal imaging, facial recognition, GPS geolocation, and virtual reality (VR), all embedded within an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This system offers a transformative approach to outbreak control and frontline health protection.

Addressing the Challenges of Traditional Screening

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, manual temperature checks using infrared thermometers became standard. However, these methods proved inadequate due to:

• High exposure risk to healthcare workers,
• Inability to efficiently scan large groups,
• Delays in response times.

This inspired the development of a contactless aerial surveillance system that can scan individuals remotely, detect fever symptoms (a key indicator of COVID-19), and instantly alert authorities—all without human contact.

How the System Works: A Smart Drone in Action

The proposed system operates through a three-layered architecture:

1. Input Layer
   • A drone is equipped with thermal and optical cameras.
   • It autonomously scans public areas for individuals with elevated body temperatures.
   • Facial recognition captures the identity of suspected individuals.
2. Processing Layer
   • Powered by Arduino-based microcontrollers (NodeMCU), the onboard system processes thermal data and controls the camera operation.
   • Image and sensor data are analyzed using custom-coded software to identify high-risk individuals.
3. Output Layer
   • If fever is detected, the drone sends real-time alerts—including thermal imagery, facial snapshots, and GPS coordinates—to health officers via a GSM network and smartphone application.
   • VR integration allows live video streaming for real-time monitoring with minimal human interaction.

This live streaming system is powered by a Virtual Reality headset that allows the drone operator to control camera angles and zoom functions simply by moving their head—improving navigation and target identification.

Simulation & Testing

The drone's circuit and communication systems were thoroughly tested using Proteus simulation software. The project also employed the Blynk IoT platform to enable cloud-based data transmission. The simulations verified the effectiveness of:

• Real-time thermal scanning,
• Instant GPS mapping,
• Seamless data upload to mobile platforms.

The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) integrated into the VR headset enables precise head-tracking, giving the controller full visual navigation over the scanning process. The drone's path is programmed via smartphone, with Wi-Fi signals enabling integration between drone and app.

Implications for Future Outbreaks

This UAV-based detection system reduces the need for manual, close-proximity health screening, thereby minimizing transmission risks to medical personnel. It also offers a scalable solution for:

• Large public gatherings (e.g., airports, stadiums)
• Quarantine zones
• Disaster relief sites

Researchers note that this system could be adapted for detecting symptoms of other infectious diseases or integrated into smart city health infrastructure.

“Our goal was to design a non-invasive, fast, and smart system that could act before the outbreak spreads further. This drone solution minimizes physical contact, reduces manpower, and increases accuracy,” said lead author Dr. Mohammed N. Abdulrazaq, currently working in Gulf University, Bahrain