Alibaba Cloud uses AI to address healthcare and environmental issues
Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology arm of Alibaba Group, is using AI-driven solutions to improve weather forecasting, medical diagnostics, agriculture, and education.
“Our mission at Alibaba is not only to explore the frontiers of AI but also to ensure its capabilities are harnessed for the greater good,” Jingren Zhou, chief technology officer of Alibaba Cloud, said in a media release. “As we navigate the complex challenges of 2025, from intensifying climate risks to the growing demand for equitable access to healthcare and education, we are dedicated to leveraging AI to drive meaningful societal changes.”
Improving weather predictions
Extreme weather events, including floods, storms, and landslides, have disrupted millions of lives worldwide. Alibaba Cloud developed Baguan, an AI-enhanced weather forecasting system, to provide more precise predictions. The model delivers hourly updates with a high spatial resolution, offering 10-day forecasts that help industries prepare for weather changes. It is especially useful in renewable energy, where accurate forecasts support power grid management and energy distribution.
Enhancing cancer diagnosis
Alibaba’s AI tool Panda was recognized for its role in detecting pancreatic cancer, a disease responsible for nearly half a million deaths annually. Panda, currently in use at hospitals in Zhejiang province, has shown a 34.1% improvement in accuracy compared to radiologists. The system has since expanded to detect liver, esophageal, and colon cancers, making early diagnosis more accessible and cost-effective.
Advancing agricultural research
In partnership with Zhejiang University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Alibaba contributed to a study that examined DNA methylation data to improve crop breeding. Researchers compiled a large dataset containing 287 million single methylation polymorphisms, identifying 43 genes linked to fiber development. The findings could support the creation of stronger, more resilient crops.
Expanding virus research
Working with Sun Yat-sen University and The University of Sydney, Alibaba helped develop LucaProt, an AI-driven algorithm for identifying RNA viruses. The tool has detected 160,000 potential RNA virus species and 180 RNA virus supergroups, aiding efforts to understand viral evolution and disease prevention.
Supporting children with autism
Alibaba also introduced an AI-powered tool that creates personalized picture books for children with autism. Using multimodal AI models, the system generates illustrated stories with text and narration, helping children engage with educational content. Since its launch in June, the tool has been used nearly 200,000 times, benefiting families and educators in China.
Related Stories
link
