Department of Computer Applications, National Institute of Technology Raipur, inaugurated the two-day 4th International Conference on Ambient Intelligence in Health Care (ICAIHC-2026) on September 18, bringing together researchers, academicians, professionals and students to deliberate on advances in machine learning, intelligent computing and their applications, particularly in the healthcare sector.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the National Song in the presence of Dr Samir Bajpai, Director (In-charge), National Institute of Technology Raipur; Chief Guest Lieutenant General (Dr) Ashok Jindal, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur; Special Guest Dr Om Prakash Vyas, Director, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Naya Raipur; Special Guest Dr Jasjit S. Suri, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Atheropoint, California, United States; Dr Mithilesh Atulkar, National Institute of Technology Raipur; and Dr Tripti Swarnkar, Head, Department of Computer Applications, National Institute of Technology Raipur.

The conference is being coordinated by Dr Tripti Swarnkar, Dr Mithilesh Atulkar, Dr Dibakar Saha and Dr Naeem Ahmad of National Institute of Technology Raipur. Welcoming the dignitaries, faculty members and students, Dr Tripti Swarnkar outlined the conference programme and its objectives. Dr Mithilesh Atulkar presented an overview of ICAIHC-2026, highlighting the response received from the research community, including more than 1,200 paper submissions, along with details of the review process, keynote speakers and special sessions.

Dr Om Prakash Vyas traced the evolution of artificial intelligence from neural networks, machine learning and deep learning to Large Language Models and Agentic Artificial Intelligence. He highlighted the potential of intelligent technologies to continuously monitor individuals, identify emerging health concerns and facilitate timely medical interventions, including scheduling appointments with doctors when required.

Dr Jasjit S. Suri spoke on the evolution of artificial intelligence and the growing role of ambient technologies in promoting human well-being. He also highlighted the influence of internal and external factors on women's health and the potential of intelligent systems to support more responsive and personalised healthcare.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Samir Bajpai highlighted the broader challenges associated with the adoption of artificial intelligence, particularly its high cost and limited accessibility among economically weaker sections of society. He emphasised the need to develop affordable and accessible technologies that can reach disadvantaged communities, including people living in remote regions such as Bastar in Chhattisgarh.

Lieutenant General (Dr) Ashok Jindal underlined the importance of closer collaboration between medical and engineering institutions in developing healthcare technologies suited to Indian requirements. He encouraged greater sharing of clinical data with Indian engineering institutions, including National Institute of Technology Raipur, to facilitate the development of sensitive, reliable and affordable medical devices under the Make in India initiative. He said such innovations could help extend advanced healthcare technologies to economically weaker sections while ensuring that the human and personal interface of doctors remains an essential component of healthcare delivery.

 

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