(Yicai Global) Dec. 19 -- Artificial intelligence is nothing more than a tool for humans, it won't replace them, Liu Zhixin, chief AI scientist for China's leading private logistics provider SF Holding Co. [SHE:002352], said at a sub-forum of the 2018 NetEase Annual Economist Conference in Beijing.

AI can handle four data-based tasks: perception, cognition, modeling and planning, Liu added, saying research results show AI and Big Data reduce the burden on employees and greatly improve efficiency.

Logistics has a complex business chain and a sophisticated network topology, he said. AI helps with statistics, operational planning and mathematical models to ensure the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transport, but the algorithm and the human role are complementary, they need each other.

AI can also assist in human decision-making in corporate governance, Liu continued, adding that data and algorithms can help people get work done more efficiently.