Shanghai aims to build a national artificial intelligence (AI) development highland by 2020, authorities announced at an AI-focused symposium on Sept 19.

Artificial intelligence plays an important role in building of Shanghai into a smart city, said Shao Zhiqing, deputy director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization.

A total of 100 projects involving AI are set to be launched and the industrial value of the city's key AI sectors are expected to reach 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) by 2020, according to Shao.

To achieve the goal, the city will take an action named "AI@SH", focusing on AI application, tech innovation, talent attraction and other aspects.

The city will also push forward the application of AI in R&D, design, production, remote operation and maintenance service, and supply chain management to improve the capability of smart manufacturing.

Shanghai's smart sensing and data collection systems will be improved to beef up its management in security, environment and infrastructure.

An AI-assisted public service platform will also be built to improve the quality of government decision-making and service.

Additionally, technologies such as cognitive computing and in-depth learning will be used to improve the quality of precision medicine, health management, and nursing service.