In a time of coronavirus, China’s investment in AI is paying off in a big way
- In China, AI is being used to fight the virus on all fronts. With its ability to learn quickly, AI saves humans time in sequencing the genome of Sars-CoV-2, designing lab tests, analysing CAT scans and making new vaccines
AI is being used to fight the virus on all fronts, from screening and diagnosis to containment and drug development.
With its ability to learn quickly from data relating to the novel coronavirus, AI saves human beings time in sequencing the genome of Sars-CoV-2, designing lab tests, analysing CAT scans and making new vaccines. In a pandemic, time is of the essence. Because Covid-19 cases increase exponentially, each day saved may mean hundreds or thousands of lives saved.
Sequencing the genome is the first step, and the next would be designing a lab test to identify the presence of the virus. Unfortunately, the new coronavirus, like Sars and Mers, is a single-strand RNA virus, which means it is susceptible to mutation and harder to test for.
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However, Alibaba's research institute Damo Academy was able to crack this nut by developing an AI algorithm that helps get the job done in 30 minutes. The algorithm powers a whole-genome detection platform, which is faster and better than the traditional nucleic-acid approach that detects only part of a genome.
Besides lab tests, CAT scans of lungs are also an effective way to detect signs of coronavirus infection. During an epidemic, radiologists might be overwhelmed by the thousands of scans they have to inspect every day.
Alibaba is also developing an AI-based drug research platform. Through AI, historical data on drug research with regard to coronaviruses such as Sars and Mers may yield insights into how to repurpose existing drugs for Sars-CoV-2, for example.
AI has helped on the front line, too. Chatbots reduce the pressure on hospital and government personnel by automatically answering queries from members of the public, and even advising individuals about whether they need to undergo screening in hospital or stay at home for a 14-day quarantine. In Shanghai and other cities, chatbots call people deemed at high risk and help monitor the virus’ spread.
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Physical robots also come in handy. Self-navigating robots work to disinfect segregated wards, deliver food and medication, and check body temperatures.
This system is also being used to ensure citizens obey self-quarantine orders. According to reports, individuals who flouted the order and left home would get a call from the authorities, presumably after being tracked by the facial recognition system.
In the face of a sudden onslaught from Covid-19, China’s ability to adapt and fight back with AI is evidence that the country’s investments in artificial intelligence and related technologies are paying off. This is truly the first time AI has been used so extensively to combat an epidemic. Without AI, the spread of the novel coronavirus would have been much quicker and more devastating.
Andy Chun, an adjunct professor at City University of Hong Kong, is a council member of Hong Kong Computer Society and the convenor of its AI Specialist Group