Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Odisha to pilot AI-based child growth monitoring system
A place in India called Odisha is going to try a new kind of technology.
This technology uses artificial intelligence, or AI, which is like a very smart computer program.
A parent can take a short video of their child using a mobile phone.
The AI looks at the video and measures the child's height and weight.
It can also measure the size of the child's head, chest, and upper arm.
Doctors use these measurements to check whether a child is growing healthy.
The idea was shown at a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week in the city of Bhubaneswar.
The celebration was organized by the Department of Women and Child Development.
Officials there said breast milk is like a child's first vaccine.
They want mothers to breastfeed for the first six months and continue healthy feeding up to age two.
Officials said the technology should be improved before it is used widely.
Odisha has been selected to pilot an AI-based child growth monitoring system that assesses children using a mobile phone video.
The technology was demonstrated by Wadhwani Foundation representatives during the state-level observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2026 in Bhubaneswar.
The AI measures weight, height, head circumference, chest circumference and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) through video-based analysis.
WCD Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr Mrinalini Darswal called breast milk a child's 'first vaccine' and suggested refinements to improve the AI's accuracy, usability and effectiveness.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida reiterated the state government's commitment to promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
Parents of children aged up to six years were felicitated with nutrition baskets containing fruits and child-care kits.
- Who
- Wadhwani Foundation, the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), WCD Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and WCD Director Manisha Banerjee.
- What
- Launch of an AI-based child growth monitoring pilot that measures children's anthropometric parameters through mobile phone video, alongside the state-level observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
- When
- Announced on a Thursday during the state-level observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, which is observed globally from August 1 to 7.
- Where
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
- Why
- To improve child growth monitoring and promote exclusive breastfeeding and proper nutrition for healthy child development.
- Pilot location
- Odisha, India
- Technology provider
- Wadhwani Foundation
- Measurement method
- Mobile phone video-based AI analysis
- Parameters measured
- Weight, height, head circumference, chest circumference, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)
- Event
- World Breastfeeding Week 2026 (August 1-7)
- Organizer
- Department of Women and Child Development (WCD)
- Venue
- Bhubaneswar
- Key officials
- Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Pravati Parida, Manisha Banerjee