AI Biweekly: AI Healthcare Investments & Going Global

Biweekly Review

Leyi Hu – Analyst, Global Industry

AI Healthcare Industry Investment Trends

The recent 37th JP Morgan HealthCare Conference was a magnet for venture capitalists. Many investors believe that the AI healthcare industry has huge potential for growth and will not be affected by economic cycles. This year, a record 38 Chinese companies participated in the conference, with 21 doing live presentations.

A new research paper published two weeks ago in Nature Medicine meanwhile attracted significant public attention: Boston-based digital health company FDNA introduced a smartphone app that can determine whether a person has a rare genetic disease from just a photo. The company utilizes computer vision to distinguish the facial phenotypes of genetic disorders and make a preliminary diagnosis accordingly.

In addition, over the past year many markets have experienced the “consumption upgrade” trend, and the healthcare industry is no exception. Many enterprises and universities are applying artificial intelligence technology to improve disease diagnosis. Major players here include Google DeepMind Health, Arterys, Yitu Tech, Ali Health, etc. We can expect additional artificial intelligence applications and integrations in the healthcare industry, bringing new solutions to a wide range of medical problems.

Jan 11 – The Best Healthcare Wearable Device at CES 2019

Withings launched the Move ECG at CES 2019, a smartwatch with both activity tracking and the ability to measure electrocardiograms (ECGs) and send information directly to doctors.
https://www.businessinsider.com/ces-2019-best-wearable-withings-move-ecg-2018-12

Jan 7 – AI Gets in the Face of Rare Genetic Diseases

A team of scientists at FDNA published a study in Nature Medicine on Jan 7. Identifying Facial Phenotypes of Genetic Disorders Using Deep Learning pioneers the use of facial analysis in detecting genetic disorders.
https://www.genengnews.com/insights/a-i-gets-in-the-face-of-rare-genetic-diseases/

Robert Tian – Senior Analyst, Global Industry

Going for Global Win-Win Development

“Stick to Globalisation, achieve shared and win-win development” — that’s the Chinese government strategy in today’s complicated international political and economic climate. Siemens’ global strategy seems to follow the same trajectory: pushing their digital-related technology and products around the world.

Siemens recently announced a partnership with China’s Feihe Dairy and Finnish manufacturer Konecranes, and has also signed a country-wide full-level collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in cutting-edge energy technologies and research development. The agreement with DEWA will boost Siemens’ strength across AI, IoT, additive manufacturing and robotics. The step into national-level, cutting-edge technology development suggests Siemens’ potential in an international environment dealing with Brexit, Trade Wars, etc. It’s not difficult to predict that Siemens will enter even more country-level collaborations instead of putting all its efforts on the DEWA contract.

January 15 – DEWA, Siemens Sign MoU to Cooperate in R&D in Energy Technologies

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Siemens have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in cutting-edge energy technology research and development.
The MoU includes smart grids, the integration of renewable energy and distributed generation in the electricity grid, energy storage systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in energy production units, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, robotics, cyber-security, and smart buildings, as well as plans for building national capacities in the energy sector.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertreiss/2019/01/09/t-mobile-siemens-and-royal-caribbean-leaders-discuss-connectivity-as-key-to-future/#7a34c14a6815

January 10 – Konecranes Adopts Internet of Things Technology to Bridge Virtual and Real Worlds Using Siemens’ Digital Innovation Platform