▲A veterinarian provides treatment using an AI-based veterinary imaging diagnostic assistance solution


Agreement to develop AI veterinary imaging diagnostic assistance solution with 5 universities
AI platform 'MetaRunner' learns pet data on its own

SK Telecom (CEO Yoo Young-sang) has signed an agreement with five national university veterinary colleges to develop an AI-based veterinary imaging diagnostic assistance solution, thereby practicing ESG management through contributing to companion animal welfare.

SK Telecom announced on the 8th that it signed a 'business agreement for the development of an AI-based veterinary image diagnosis assistance solution' with the veterinary colleges of five national universities, including Kangwon National University, Kyungpook National University, Gyeongsang National University, Chonbuk National University, and Chungnam National University.

The 'AI veterinary imaging diagnostic assistance solution' is a solution that uses AI to analyze X-rays taken of companion animals at hospitals and then provides the analysis information to veterinarians.

The five universities will provide SKT with veterinary imaging data, including X-ray diagnostic images and interpretation findings for companion animal thoracic and musculoskeletal diseases.

SKT will develop an AI-based veterinary imaging diagnosis assistance solution by collecting, analyzing, and learning big data on disease diagnosis by body part of companion animals through its artificial intelligence automation platform, ‘Meta Learner.’

SKT announced that it plans to provide commercial services in the future by linking with the 'X Caliber' platform. 'Excalibur' is a cloud-based platform that allows veterinarians to receive AI-provided imaging diagnosis results through mobile devices or PCs linked to X-rays.

SKT and five national universities said they will further improve the completeness of the veterinary imaging diagnostic assistance solution by collaborating with veterinarians at each hospital and verifying it, and jointly commercialize it as a service.

Dean Lee Hee-cheon of Gyeongsang National University College of Veterinary Medicine said, “Through this multilateral agreement, the radiology medical staff of five domestic veterinary colleges have promised to cooperate in the diagnosis and analysis of animal medical images using SKT’s AI, so we expect substantial research results,” adding, “This collaboration could be an important turning point in the development of advanced companion animal medical technology.”

Meanwhile, SKT also announced on the same day that it signed a business agreement with SKY Animal Medical Group for an 'AI-based veterinary imaging diagnosis assistance service and platform business'. Through this agreement, clinical trials and field tests will be conducted with the goal of commercializing the AI-based veterinary imaging diagnosis assistance solution previously jointly developed with national university veterinary colleges.

Ha Min-yong, in charge of SKT Innovation Suite, said, “Through close collaboration with five national veterinary colleges and the SKY Animal Medical Group, we plan to continuously expand the scope of AI-based veterinary image data analysis and diagnosis of companion animal diseases,” adding, “We will continue to practice ESG management that can increase social value, such as providing better pet care services and contributing to companion animal welfare.”