Intel is contributing its intellectual capital--its innovative thinking and brightest minds and technology--to saving one of the greatest human-made creations on Earth, The Great Wall of China. The monument, which represents thousands of years of culture, is in danger of crumbling. To combat this nearly impossible challenge, Intel has partnered with the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation to launch an innovative new approach to its restoration, using artificial intelligence and drones (the project was announced in April). Intel's team set out on a mission to preserve one of the most iconic landmarks on earth, embarking on an expedition as they reimagined preservation work on this monument with new tools: Intel Drones and Al. "By talking about these products and combining the drone tech with AI, and having that solution built on the Xeon processor, I can tell a very technical story to people who would be interested in that, Then creatively, it's also a super-appealing human interest story that can elevate their perception of Intel outside of the PC," Intel's VP, global creative director Teresa Herd told Fast Company about the project, which bridges technology with cultural heritage, a brand-building exercise with an act of corporate responsibility.

Intel is deploying hi-tech drones to help spot parts of the Great Wall of China that have fallen into disrepair. The chipmaker is sending some Falcon 8 drones to shoot aerial photos of the famous Jiankou section of the wall, which is known for its steep climbs and scenic views. Due to its thick vegetation and centuries old materials, the areas has'naturally weathered' and requires repair -- a process that can be made easier by using drones, Intel said. Intel, which is partnering with the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation for the project, will send its Falcon drones to take aerial photos that will then be converted into high-definition images. Artificial intelligence will create a visual representation of the Great Wall to identify areas that are in need of repair and plan the safest way to restore them.

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, Xinhua news agency reported. 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. The Great Wall, a symbol of China, is actually not just one wall, but many interconnected walls built between the third century B.C. and the Ming Dynasty (1384-1644).