2024.07.16
SKT debuts veterinary diagnostic service in North America
By Park Se-ra, The
Korea Herald - SK Telecom said Monday that it has sealed partnerships in Canada
and the US to expand its proprietary artificial intelligence-driven veterinary
diagnostic service, X Caliber, into the North American pet market, the largest
globally.
Originally launched
in Korea in September 2022, X Caliber executes diagnostic results through AI
analysis of X-ray images. This expansion into North America follows its recent
launches in Australia and Indonesia.
Expansion in Canada
has been confirmed through a distribution agreement with Nuon & Nikki, a
Canadian joint venture between veterinary equipment provider Nuon Imaging and
radiological equipment and software manufacturer Nikki Health Solution.
Through the
agreement, X Caliber will be integrated into Nuon & Nikki’s pre-existing
veterinary imaging software, Skyline Picture Archiving & Communication
System for Vets, and will be available at over 100 veterinary clinics in Canada
starting this August.
The companies also
agreed to collaborate on developing a diagnostic assistance solution optimized
for the local market, utilizing regional pet data and conducting research to
enhance the service.
Mark Little, co-CEO
of Nuon & Nikki, commented, “With the recent surge in AI solutions, we are
eager to lead the AI era in the Canadian veterinary imaging market through the
partnership.”
In the US, SK
Telecom inked a memorandum of understanding with MyVet Imaging, a US-based
distributor of X-ray equipment, to introduce X Caliber.
The two parties have
commenced Proof of Concept (PoC) testing at a large veterinary clinic in New
Jersey, with plans to secure a commercial contract by the third quarter of this
year, reflecting the specific needs of US veterinary clinics.
According to market
research firm Precedence Research, North America accounts for around 42 percent
of the global pet market in 2023, surpassing Europe at around 29 percent and
Asia at around 22 percent.
“We anticipate rapid
acknowledgment of AI healthcare solutions in the North American market.
Leveraging AI capabilities, we aim to widely promote Korea’s AI-infused
healthcare and provide innovative solutions that genuinely benefit pets,”
stated Son In-hyuk, vice president of GS AIX at SK Telecom.
The company also
announced plans to introduce two features to X Caliber in the third quarter of
this year. These include the beta version of the Cardiothoracic Ratio (CTR)
automatic heart measurement for companion cats and the AI-based Vertebral Left
Atrium Size (VLAS) automatic heart measurement for companion dogs.
Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240715050528