Alibaba's research institute, Damo Academy, has developed an AI algorithm claiming 96% accuracy in detecting COVID-19. This diagnostic tool aims to identify cases earlier via CT scans, though independent verification remains challenging.
As the COVID-19 pandemic surpassed 198,000 confirmed cases and approximately 8,000 deaths in early 2020, global efforts intensified. While some teams pursued vaccines and antibody solutions—like a promising neutralizing antibody discovered by Belgian researchers—Alibaba focused on diagnostics. According to a February 19, 2020, Nikkei Asian Review report, Damo Academy created a new AI-based diagnostic model for COVID-19.
Researchers report the algorithm achieves 96% accuracy, trained on scans from more than 5,000 confirmed cases. It distinguishes COVID-19 from common viral pneumonia, potentially speeding up diagnoses that typically take doctors 5-15 minutes.
The model was reportedly deployed at Qiboshan Hospital in Zhengzhou, later expanding to facilities in Hubei, Guangdong, and Anhui provinces. While Nikkei Asian Review is a credible source, no direct statements from Alibaba or Damo Academy were available at the time, making full verification difficult.
Earlier that February, Alibaba contributed to a mobile app assigning color-coded QR codes to track health status, determining mobility or quarantine periods of 1-2 weeks.
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