South Korea's startup Kakao Brain has unveiled the research use only (RUO) web-based solution powered by "KARA-CXR" (Kakao Brain AI for Radiology Assistant-CXR), a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that instantly generates preliminary radiology reports for doctor's review when chest X-ray images are uploaded onto the web.

Through this user-friendly and seamless solution, medical researchers can experience various functions such as: receiving two types of AI interpretations of chest X-ray images together (a simple report and a detailed full report); ability to upload multiple Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files at once and receiving multiple reports simultaneously; and being able to share the AI interpretations within the research group or medical community. It also features compliant security measures that anonymize and protect any personal information contained in DICOM files.

Kakao Brain started developing 'KARA-CXR' in 2022, collaborating with 11 leading university hospitals and large medical institutions. Partners include: Ewha Womans University Medical Center (Seoul, Mok-dong), Ajou University Hospital, Soonchunhyang Medical Center (Cheonan, Gumi, Seoul), Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Inha University Hospital, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, among others. 'KARA-CXR' has analysed over 16 million chest X-ray images and readings. KARA-CXR is built on Kakao Brain's healthcare-specialised large-scale generative AI model, and the research team is preparing to publish the results in influential academic journals.

As an RUO tool, KARA-CXR is currently available for research use only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.