China to use AI, drones to protect the Great Wall

Beijing, April 27: China plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to protect the Great Wall.

Under an agreement between the government and the US tech giant Intel, the world's second largest manufacturer of semiconductors and microprocessors and the China Foundation For Cultural Heritage Conservation will explore ways to collaborate in the inspection, repair and preservation of the Great Wall.

To begin with, Intel drones will collect images from sections of the monument and use 3D modelling to identify damaged areas.

"The use of the latest technologies, will provide a new perspective of the protection of the Great Wall, and show us the great potential of science and technology in cultural heritage protection," said Li Xiaojie, director of the China Foundation For Cultural Heritage Conservation.