AI is Not Just for Diagnosing Humans Now! - For Pets as Well!
Image Credit: Jacob Fletcher | Unsplash
When Mozzi, a five-year-old goldendoodle, started walking oddly, his concerned owner, Mo Jae-hyun, quickly sought help from a veterinarian in South Korea. But instead of relying solely on traditional diagnostics, Mozzi’s condition was evaluated by an advanced AI program called "X Caliber". This innovative tool analyzed Mozzi’s X-rays and determined he had a 22% chance of knee dislocation — information that not only guided the vet's recommendations but also provided Mozzi’s owner with a clear understanding of the situation. As AI becomes more integrated into veterinary care, stories like Mozzi’s are becoming increasingly common, highlighting a new era in pet diagnostics.
X Caliber: A Game-Changer in Veterinary Medicine
South Korea, known for its leadership in AI and semiconductor technology, has quickly embraced AI's potential in veterinary care. "X Caliber", developed by SK Telecom, is one such application making waves. With a disease detection rate of up to 86%, this AI tool is transforming how veterinarians diagnose and manage animal health issues. It significantly speeds up the diagnostic process, providing results in seconds that previously took much longer to obtain manually. For instance, AI can now measure vertebral heart size (VHS) in dogs — a critical factor in diagnosing heart disease — in just 15 seconds, a task that once required painstaking manual calculations.
Global Reach and Impact
The success of X Caliber in South Korea has led to its adoption in other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In countries like Indonesia, where there is a shortage of trained veterinary radiologists, X Caliber is filling a crucial gap. Veterinary professionals, such as Kristanya Oen, a hospital owner in Indonesia, emphasize the importance of AI in overcoming the challenges posed by limited expertise. The AI’s ability to provide accurate diagnostics quickly and efficiently is helping to elevate the standard of care in regions where access to specialized training is limited.
The Bigger Picture: SK Telecom’s Vision for AI Healthcare
SK Telecom, part of the larger SK Group conglomerate, views X Caliber as just the beginning of a broader AI healthcare initiative. The company’s CEO, Chey Tae-won, has committed to significant investments in AI technology, including AI chips, services, and data centers. This commitment is part of SK Group’s larger strategy to lead the next generation of AI products, despite recent fluctuations in the technology market. With plans to invest 80 trillion won (US$60 billion) into these initiatives, SK Telecom is positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in both human and animal healthcare.
The Rise of Pet Parenthood in South Korea
In South Korea, where birth rates are among the lowest in the world, pet ownership has soared. Official figures show that the number of households with pets has roughly doubled in the last decade, with one in four homes now having at least one furry companion. This cultural shift towards "pet parenthood" has fueled a booming pet care industry, valued at approximately 8 trillion won in 2022 — a fourfold increase from five years earlier. As more people opt for pets over children, demand for advanced pet care services, including AI-driven diagnostics, is expected to continue rising.
Innovations in Pet Care: What’s Next?
South Korean companies are keen to capitalize on the growing pet care market, with AI playing a central role in new product development. Innovations like "smart toilets" that detect urinary diseases early and "smart leashes" that monitor pets’ pulse and body temperature are already in the works. According to Kim Soo-kyung, a senior manager at KPMG Korea’s Economic Research Institute, we can expect to see more devices that monitor pet health on a daily basis, from mild conditions to more severe illnesses. These advancements promise to enhance the quality of life for pets and peace of mind for their owners.
