[AI, Stronger When Converged] Fake Product Detection, COVID-19 Response... Problem Solver Emerges

National Digital Transformation Takes Flight with AI

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] #1. At a demonstration lab located in Daejeon Technopark, an artificial intelligence (AI) system that uses a so-called 'data dam' to detect counterfeit products is being developed and undergoing demonstration stages. By processing and learning related data such as photos and blueprints of genuine luxury bags, watches, smartphones, and automobile parts, the AI can identify even S-grade counterfeit items. Over the past five years, the Korea Customs Service has detected about 970 cases of counterfeit goods, with the genuine product value reaching a staggering 2.1 trillion KRW.

#2. As the third wave of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused shortages of hospital beds and other medical resources, the need for systematic systems for infectious disease prognosis prediction and severe patient classification using AI has re-emerged. Professor Myungjin Jung of Samsung Seoul Hospital, who oversees the AI convergence new infectious disease response system, emphasized, "AI-based prognosis prediction systems provide critical objective evidence to detect infectious diseases early and predict whether a patient's condition will progress to severe stages," adding, "This will greatly assist in the efficient allocation of medical resources such as healthcare personnel and hospital beds."

From counterfeit product detection to infectious disease response, the national digital transformation through AI convergence is gaining momentum. The core of this is 'AI+X,' which integrates AI into industrial and social issues that are no longer solvable by traditional methods, thereby solving problems and creating new value. On the first anniversary of the AI national strategy disclosure, AI+X projects led by the government focusing on seven major sectors are beginning to bear fruit one by one.

◆ Establishing Demonstration Labs and Developing AI Algorithms

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 23rd, the current AI+X projects include seven projects and 15 detailed tasks in areas such as ▲ military medical advancement ▲ coastal surveillance ▲ public safety ▲ counterfeit product detection ▲ energy efficiency ▲ regional specialized industries ▲ new infectious disease response. The main focus is on building demonstration labs where large-scale data can be safely processed and learned, and developing AI algorithms centered on strategic fields with high economic ripple effects and public impact. This year alone, 21.1 billion KRW has been invested in related budgets.

An official from the Ministry of Science and ICT explained, "We have completed the establishment and operation of five demonstration labs," adding, "Based on large-scale data in safe demonstration labs, we have developed a total of 15 AI algorithms, including medical imaging diagnostic systems, intelligent ship identification systems, and counterfeit product detection systems."

To this end, large-scale data that companies and institutions can utilize during AI convergence processes have also been constructed. Energy consumption data by production equipment in industrial complex factories, built to reduce and optimize energy consumption in manufacturing?which accounts for more than half of national power consumption?currently amounts to 60 million records. Military medical imaging data such as X-rays and MRIs total 500,000 records, and product data secured for counterfeit product detection is also about 500,000 records.

◆ AI Detects Both Counterfeit Products and Infectious Diseases

One representative AI+X project uses AI technology to detect counterfeit products, blocking the inflow of illegal copies in major product sectors such as automobiles, IT products, home appliances, and beauty products. This is expected not only to protect domestic industries but also to prevent tax revenue losses. While trademarks under customs law can mostly be identified visually at import-export customs clearance stages, design rights require highly specialized knowledge, making rights protection difficult. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as of 2016, the global trade volume of counterfeit and illegal copies was 575 trillion KRW annually, accounting for 3.3% of total trade.

An official from the Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "A notable trend in recent global trade is the increasing demand to protect domestic intellectual property (IP) and prevent trade in counterfeit and illegal copies," adding, "In the past five years, damages from unauthorized preemption of K-brand trademarks in China have been reported at around 37.7 billion KRW, indicating an increase in overseas IP damages to Korean companies."

AI convergence is also playing a significant role in building new infectious disease response systems. Samsung Seoul Hospital and others, which oversee related systems, are constructing demonstration labs that learn patient information, infectious disease, and genetic data to predict patient prognosis and enable AI epidemiological investigations and medical resource management. Industry insiders expect this to be a fundamental solution that actively addresses the limitations of existing administrative-level COVID-19 infection prevention systems through advanced AI technology and cloud infrastructure. It is also anticipated to improve efficiency socially and economically, including creating new jobs in the AI-based medical industry sector.

Additionally, AI convergence technology is expected to contribute to upgrading the national safety system through CCTV, building a scientific coastal surveillance system based on AI, and improving energy efficiency. Approximately 1.15 million CCTV units installed nationwide in public institutions can play a role in safely protecting socially vulnerable groups such as elderly dementia patients and missing children. Based on energy-related data from factories within industrial complexes, it is possible to distribute power demand and optimize equipment. This also enables early detection of equipment abnormalities, preventing unnecessary energy waste. The Ministry of Science and ICT processed more than four types of energy data from 30 factories this year and plans to conduct demonstrations next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.