Jiabao (Nancy) Zhao, AI SMILE Vice President: Navigating the tech industry as a woman has taught me that overcoming the barriers erected by societal and cultural norms requires resilience and determination

AI SMILE is at the forefront of revolutionizing the medical industry through artificial intelligence and robotics. Since its inception, the company has focused on integrating AI to transform the entire medical ecosystem, from upstream to downstream processes. In the realm of oral healthcare, AI SMILE has developed a comprehensive closed-loop technology system that includes a cloud-based brain and an unmanned factory, facilitating high-precision, efficient, and large-scale intelligent delivery. This innovative approach enables the customization and intelligent delivery of thousands of SKUs, optimizing product and service solutions within the oral healthcare sector. The company has established a robust global infrastructure, comprising a cloud service network, supply chain network, sales network, and consumer network, creating a seamless industry-wide closed loop.

AI SMILE’s dedication to advancing AI applications in healthcare underscores its commitment to pioneering solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the medical field.

In conversation with Jiabao (Nancy) Zhao, Vice President of AI SMILE

Q. What was the catalyst that prompted you to join AI SMILE?

Joining AI SMILE has been nothing short of a fortunate discovery of certainty amidst uncertainty. During my studies in Business Analytics at University of Galway, my curiosity was piqued by the burgeoning field of AI. It became evident that AI was subtly reshaping our existence, and I foresaw its pervasive influence on every aspect of our lives in the years to come. Through extensive industry exploration, I observed industrial AI opens vast horizons in the medical field, significantly influencing societal progress and personal well-being. Simultaneously, in today’s global landscape dominated by the “beauty economy,” the significance of physical appearance and personal charisma has escalated, propelling the orthodontics industry into an unprecedented era of opportunity and transforming it into a lucrative blue ocean market teeming with potential.

It was during this period that I learned of AI SMILE’s pioneering approach, merging industrial AI with orthodontics in a profound and innovative way. By harnessing core technologies to empower dental care scenarios, AI SMILE achieved the remarkable feat of customizing high-precision medical solutions with the efficiency and scalability of mass production, ushering in a novel paradigm for AI applications in healthcare with significant implications. Their brand ethos, centered around the notion that “AI brings a better life,” resonated deeply with my vision for advancing AI in medicine. Consequently, I embraced the role of an industry catalyst and embarked on my own quest with AI SMILE, igniting a journey dedicated to realizing my dreams within this transformative space.

Q. What were some of the biggest challenges your team faced while integrating AI and robotics into the medical and dental industries, and how did you overcome them?

No shortcut exists for pioneering explorations in any field, and the industrial AI domain is no exception. I’ve always held the belief that opportunities and challenges are inextricably linked, especially in the medical sector, which intimately touches people’s lives. The greatest test initially lay in establishing the company, where priorities included not only technological development, team nurturing, and market competitiveness but also confronted hurdles such as interdisciplinary talent recruitment and the construction of a robust technical framework. Moreover, the dental field demands a high level of personalized services and products, a requirement that traditional manufacturing processes struggled to meet in terms of both precision and efficiency.

Fortunately, the company’s unique “AI TERMINAL-CLOUD BRAIN System-Smart FACTORY” theoretical system was conceived and implemented in the orthodontics field. This system, grounded in core AI algorithms for smart decision-making and complemented by proprietary robots for precise execution, successfully created a closed loop between technology and industry. Throughout this process, I gained a forward-looking perspective on the limitless potential of AI in oral healthcare. As algorithms advance and big data models become ubiquitous, AI’s capabilities will permeate every facet of dental treatment, from personalized treatment planning to patient information management.

Through deep learning algorithms, AI can now base treatment recommendations on a comprehensive dataset encompassing patient records, lifestyle habits, and treatment stages, thereby offering more accurate treatment plans. Additionally, AI can serve as a valuable tool for remote diagnosis and consultation, alleviating the imbalance in medical resource distribution. This advancement paves the way for the democratization of medical services, including AI-powered oral healthcare, enabling broader access to quality care for all.

Q. How does the AI SMILE S4 intra-oral scanner differentiate itself from other similar products in the market?

I see the AI SMILE Intraoral-Scanner S4 not just as an intraoral scanner but as a cutting-edge intelligent front-end tool aligned with advances in AI dentistry. It is considered the data entry point of our closed-loop technology chain, restoring images and generating data to facilitate AI-customized solutions and intelligent manufacturing. Furthermore, it combines edge computing, precise image capture, data collection, and 3D true-color modeling with micron-level accuracy. This enables dentists to provide more accurate, efficient, and real-time visual orthodontic solutions at a fraction of the cost of comparable high-precision devices, reducing treatment costs. The AI SMILE Intraoral-Scanner S4 is versatile for various dental needs, including orthodontics, implants, restorations, and aesthetics. Leveraging cloud-based big data and the Orthodontic Smart Alignment System Venus 1.0, it generates personalized simulation plans in under ten minutes. Dentists can then demonstrate a real-time, customized 3D design to patients and make adjustments as needed.

This innovative approach enhances patient engagement and satisfaction while streamlining workflows for dental professionals, making the AI SMILE Intraoral-Scanner S4 not only stand out from its competitors but also becomes a game-changer in digital dentistry.

Q. Why is gender balance and having a more diverse workforce important, especially in senior management teams?

In the realm of technology, I believe there shouldn’t be an overt distinction based on gender, as each individual is unique and cannot be generalized to have inherent disadvantages or advantages solely due to their sex. Personally, I advocate for a workplace culture that minimizes the emphasis on gender, focusing instead on the accomplishment of tasks with excellence. Gender, in my view, is not a barrier; the only limitations that truly exist are those imposed by one’s own mindset. Beyond self-imposed mental boundaries, there are no insurmountable obstacles to achieving one’s ambitions. Additionally, the keen insight and cool composure in crisis situations that female executives often exhibit can be considered strengths. These traits allow for a deeper and broader understanding of the industry, contributing to one’s growth and empowerment. It’s these qualities that can foster a sense of resilience and acumen, enabling women to navigate the complexities of their fields with confidence and poise.

Q. Keeping in mind the social and cultural bondages which generally trim down the freedom, confidence and boldness of women, what steps/programs/policies you would like to suggest for the ladies who want to be successful like you?

Navigating the tech industry as a woman has taught me that overcoming the barriers erected by societal and cultural norms requires resilience and determination. What I’d like to convey is that each of us holds the power to author our own narrative. Finding your voice is paramount—whether it’s through further education, attending conferences, or simply speaking up more often in meetings; let others hear your thoughts and perspectives. Alongside this, build a robust network of allies who share your vision and can offer support when the road gets tough. Throughout this journey, prioritize self-care and maintain your well-being, because it’s from a place of inner strength that we can best tackle external obstacles. Lastly, dare to dream big and take action toward those dreams. Remember, every small step forward is a milestone worth celebrating, and collectively, these milestones pave the path to success.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

Focusing on the development of digital healthcare, AI SMILE embodies the principle of enhancing lives through technology, blending innovation and craftsmanship to drive the democratization of healthcare. Moving forward, we will seize the opportunities presented by the era of AI industrial models, actively exploring ways to deepen our core technological advantages. We aim to collaborate with more healthcare institutions, co-creating the future in smart manufacturing and commercialization, and together reshape the new paradigm of AI healthcare. And personally, I will continue to pursue my dreams with unwavering vision towards the future!

Jiabao (Nancy) Zhao, Vice President 

“Gender, in my view, is not a barrier; the only limitations that truly exist are those imposed by one’s own mindset. Beyond self-imposed mental boundaries, there are no insurmountable obstacles to achieving one’s ambitions”