AI in Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the COVID-19 disease, and the resulting pandemic have reshaped the entire world in an unprecedented manner. Massive efforts have been made by AI communities to combat the pandemic. What roles has AI played in tackling COVID-19? How has AI performed in the battle against COVID-19? Where are the gaps and opportunities? What lessons can we learn to enhance the ability of AI to battle future pandemics? These questions, despite being fundamental, are yet to be answered in full or systematically. They need to be addressed by AI communities as a priority despite the easing of the omicron infectiousness and threat. This article reviews these issues with reflections on global AI research and the literature on tackling COVID-19. It is envisaged that the demand and priority of developing “pandemic AI” will increase over time, with smart global epidemic early warning systems to be developed by a global collaborative AI effort.