Artificial intelligence in assisted reproductive technology: separating the dream from reality

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Medical Informatics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging in assisted reproductive technology (ART), offering potential benefits for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
• The field is nascent, with rapid growth in AI applications over the past decade.
• Current AI literature often lacks groundbreaking advancements and clear clinical outcome validations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the current role and impact of AI in ART.
• To identify both the potential benefits and significant challenges of AI implementation in reproductive medicine.
• To assess the realistic potential versus the hype surrounding AI in IVF.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of AI applications in ART.
• Critical analysis of recent studies focusing on AI methodologies and clinical relevance.
• Evaluation of AI's impact on IVF efficiency, standardization, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• AI demonstrates potential in advanced image analysis, personalized protocols, and embryology workflow automation.
• Machine learning and robotics may address IVF laboratory inefficiencies and staff shortages.
• Significant challenges include ethical concerns, lack of transparency, regulatory hurdles, and data-sharing barriers.

Conclusions:

• AI in ART holds promise but requires rigorous validation and realistic expectation management.
• Addressing ethical, regulatory, and data-sharing issues is crucial for AI's successful integration.
• Sustainable and collaborative development is needed to align AI tools with ART practitioner and patient needs.