Many artificial intelligence (AI) companies in Shanghai have realized flexible operation early through online telecommuting and other methods in efforts to limit facing the novel coronavirus epidemic.

These AI companies have given full play to their respective strengths and applied their AI technologies to conduct research and judgment about the epidemic situation, and achieve precise prevention and control, effective treatment and other aspects, providing solid support for the battle against the epidemic.

Drones are widely used in epidemic prevention and control. If people gather or do not wear masks, the drones can record it immediately and transmit real-time video. The operators on duty can then directly issue a warning through the drone.

Traditional drones require operators and speakers to cooperate on the spot, which increases the risk of cross-infection, said Wang Haibin, general manager of SkySys, an AI company at Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

He said that by relying on the fully automated aerial drone operation system developed by SkySys, drones can have "consciousness".

Since the outbreak, SkySys's projects in Shanghai, and Yunnan and Jiangsu provinces have gone viral on the internet. With the help of the intelligent system, drones can be totally unmanned but with fully upgraded efficiency.

According to Wang, in the short term, the epidemic may have an impact, but it has given the industry a glimpse of the future. He said the outbreak has made the unmanned system deeply rooted in people's minds, and a new industrial pattern is taking shape.