COVID-19 Simulator

Agent-based simulation

Ordinary mathematical models cannot predict the behaviour of the novel coronavirus, as they cannot determine individual circumstances and situation-specific human behaviour to a sufficient extent in advance. The agent-based COVID-19 Simulator takes up this problem.

In addition to the latest scientific studies on the spread of COVID-19, the simulator also considers human behavioural aspects (rational and emotional). This means the agent-based modelling and simulation not only takes into account the required measures, such as rules on physical distancing, but also allows the agent to ignore these rules – thus simulating lived reality. Thanks to this combination of simulation and artificial intelligence, decisions can be taken with greater objectivity and reliability.

Applications

The COVID Simulator helps to determine the optimal mix of measures for the selected workspace in order to manage the risk effectively and sustainably, as well as to restrict personal freedom as little as possible.

The COVID-19 Simulator can be used in the following areas to:

• Development of objective strategies, guidelines and processes for the return to the workplace
• Involve the workforce in ‘what if’ scenarios to attain clarity and transparency around guidelines and processes, as well as the support of staff
• Provide evidence to substantiate back-to-work rules and build acceptance
• Identify workspaces that have a higher risk and that cannot be used at full capacity
• Test the usefulness and costs of a variety of measures in advance using virtual reality
• Protect the health of employees with an optimal combination of prevention measures.

Continuous scientific optimization with Samariterbund and AIT

The simulator already developed by PwC is now being used in a project in collaboration with experts from the Samaritan Federation and scientific experts from the AIT Center for Technology Experience. Over the next six months, the effectiveness of measures in different spatial environments is to be continuously improved. The City of Vienna is also supporting the project through the "innovate4vienna" initiative and is providing over 150,000 euros in funding. 

More about PwC

More about Samariterbund

AIT-Contact: Sebastian Egger-Lampl