Jakarta, INTI – Delayed diagnosis of childhood eye cancer remains a serious threat in Indonesia, as 40%–70% of patients end up losing their vision or even dying. Addressing this problem, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-based breakthrough to accelerate retinoblastoma screening. The tool, named Rb-AID (Retinoblastoma Artificial Intelligence Detection),The first launch took place on October 13, 2025, at the UGM campus in Yogyakarta.
AI Solution for Retinoblastoma Screening
The UGM team utilizes a two-step convolutional neural network (TSCNN) integrated into a mobile application, enabling real-time examinations.Rb-AID consists of two components: the Rb-AID tool to maintain fundus image quality, and the Rb-AID mobile decision system to analyze the results automatically, quickly, and without operator subjectivity.
Environmentally Friendly Design, Developed with 3D Technology
The Rb-AID device was designed using Autodesk Inventor and printed with eco-friendly PLA materials. Equipped with a 20D lens, the tool can produce sharper retinal visuals at an ideal working distance of 50 mm. Furthermore, its AI system is trained using thousands of retinal images, both normal and those indicating retinoblastoma, to ensure analytical accuracy.
Offline and Online Modes
The Rb-AID application offers two operational modes:
Offline → manual examination by healthcare workers
Online → the system automatically recommends the nearest ophthalmology facility, and results can be sent directly to specialist doctors for verification
This two-stage deep learning approach addresses the shortcomings of previous methods that relied on ordinary photos and were vulnerable to visual bias.
UGM Research Expands Access to More Equitable Diagnosis
The team hopes this tool can accelerate the detection of retinoblastoma, especially in areas with limited conventional fundus equipment and limited specialist availability. This initiative aligns with the 2025 PKM theme in Public Health and Nutrition, and supports SDGs point 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Conclusion
Rb-AID becomes an important breakthrough capable of expanding access to AI-based childhood eye cancer screening in Indonesia.
With this innovation, treatment opportunities can become faster, more consistent, and more inclusive ensuring that every Indonesian child has the same opportunity to preserve their vision and secure a better future.
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