The AI algo can use a patient’s CT scans to complete its disease recognition process in a mere 20 seconds.

An AI-based disease algorithm developed by Alibaba’s (NYSE: BABA) research institute Damo Academy was deployed at the new Qiboshan Hospital in Zhengzhou, Henan province. The algo is able to complete the recognition process for coronavirus in a patient within 20 seconds. Because it is able to speed up the recognition process, and therefore the treatment action for the disease, the algo will now be adopted in over 100 hospitals in the provinces of  Hubei, Guangdong, and Anhui. (Nikkei Asian Review).

Machine learning in the battle against the outbreak

Researchers at the Damo Academy trained the algo on sample data from more than 5,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. The AI model now has the ability to distinguish between corona-infected patients and those suffering from ordinary viral pneumonia at an accuracy of 96%.

Alibaba’s Damo Academy has also developed an app for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It is an AI-powered tool for public health that answers people’s queries regarding the coronavirus outbreak.

Tencent Holdings joins forces against coronavirus

Meanwhile, Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings (OTCMKTS: TCEHY) announced last week that it had tied up with a team led by top respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan to establish a big data and artificial intelligence lab to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

“The priority of the joint lab is to combat the coronavirus,” Tencent said on its official WeChat account last week. “The longer-term goal is to tackle screening and provide early warning of epidemics, respiratory diseases and chest diseases through the use of big data and artificial intelligence.”

Zhong Nanshan is also known as the SARS hero. Chinese media gave him this recognition after he found the correct way to treat the SARS virus in 2003.

China’s National Health Commission has appointed Zhong to lead the investigation against the current corona outbreak.

Similarly, Foxconn (TPE: 2354) has also appointed Zhong as its chief coronavirus prevention adviser, to help the firm cope with the virus crisis as it recommences production in China.

Related Story:  Artificial Intelligence: Chemistry-combing AI Algo Discovers New Antibiotic