Rourkela, May 27 (BNP): In a major technological breakthrough that could transform healthcare diagnostics, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled autofocusing technology designed to significantly improve microscopic imaging used in biomedical diagnostics.
The innovative system has already demonstrated promising laboratory-scale results in detecting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (blood cancer) and malaria, marking an important step toward affordable, next-generation healthcare diagnostics in India.
Developed by the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering at NIT Rourkela in collaboration with Glowvista Instruments Private Limited — a startup incubated at the institute’s Foundation for Technology and Business Incubation (FTBI) Centre — the technology is capable of delivering rapid, accurate, and repeatable microscopic imaging results with minimal human intervention. The research team has also secured a patent for the innovation titled “A Method for Autofocusing in Optofluidic Microsystems and Processes.”
Microscopy technology plays a vital role in modern healthcare diagnostics by enabling doctors and researchers to closely examine cells, tissues, microorganisms, and other biological structures that are invisible to the naked eye. It is extensively used in diagnosing diseases such as cancer, malaria, tuberculosis, and various pathology-related disorders, while also supporting drug development and point-of-care diagnostics.
However, conventional microscopy systems remain heavily dependent on manual focusing, making them time-intensive and susceptible to human error. Such limitations often lead to inconsistent imaging, inaccurate diagnosis, and delays in treatment — challenges that become particularly critical when handling complex biological samples or urgent medical conditions.
To address these concerns, the NIT Rourkela team developed an optofluidic digital microscopy platform integrated with deep learning algorithms, optical imaging systems, and automated motion control. The system continuously analyses microscopic images in real time and intelligently adjusts focus through an automated feedback mechanism, significantly improving imaging precision and operational speed.
According to the institute, the technology was developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1.20 lakh and has delivered encouraging outcomes during testing. Besides detecting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and malaria, the system reportedly demonstrated the ability to conduct complete blood cell counts through advanced blood-cell classification techniques.
The research team comprises Prof. Earu Banoth, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering at NIT Rourkela and Founder-Director of Glowvista Instruments Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Shaik Ahmadsaidulu, a research graduate at NIT Rourkela; and incubatee members Amol Lalchand Salve and Padmanaban Selvakumar from Glowvista Instruments.
Explaining the vision behind the innovation, Prof. Banoth said the team aims to develop a simple handheld diagnostic system capable of delivering performance comparable to imported automated microscopy technologies. He added that the researchers plan to expand the platform for multiple biomedical applications and field-level deployment, making advanced diagnostic capabilities more accessible and affordable.
Key features of the developed system include AI-powered intelligent autofocus, real-time image processing, automated focus adjustment, cloud-enabled learning, and enhanced imaging of complex biological samples.
Researchers believe the technology could find applications across biomedical diagnostics, digital pathology, AI-assisted microscopy, portable healthcare devices, smart laboratory automation, and remote diagnostic systems.
The project received financial support from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Officials at NIT Rourkela said the innovation aligns with the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative and highlights the institute’s continued focus on developing affordable indigenous healthcare technologies to strengthen disease diagnosis and improve access to quality medical care.