Digital technologies, healthcare and Covid-19: insights from developing and emerging nations.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic created a global health crisis affecting every nation. The essential smart medical devices/accessories, quarantine facilities, surveillance systems, and related digital technologies are in huge demand. Healthcare, manufacturing industries, and educational institutions need technologies that allow working from a safe location. Digital technologies and Industry 4.0 tools have the potential to fulfil these customized requirements during and post COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of this research is to provide understanding to healthcare professionals, government policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, academics, and students/learners of the paradigm of different Digital technologies, Industry 4.0 tools, and their applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technologies, Industry 4.0 tools and their current and potential applications have been reviewed. The use of different Digital technologies and Industry 4.0 tools is identified. Digital technologies and Industry 4.0 tools (3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Autonomous Robot, Biosensor, Telemedicine service, Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual reality, and holography) offer opportunities for effective delivery of healthcare service(s), online education, and Work from Home (WFH) environment. The article emphasises the usefulness, most recent development, and implementation of Digital technologies, Industry 4.0 techniques, and tools in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.