China has inaugurated its first artificial intelligence (AI) hospital town, a groundbreaking initiative where patients receive treatment in a virtual world by AI-generated doctors.

This innovative project, known as the ‘Agent Hospital,’ is spearheaded by researchers from Tsinghua University and aims to revolutionize the healthcare landscape by leveraging advanced AI technology.

The concept of an AI hospital town is significant for both medical professionals and the general public. It offers a simulated environment where AI doctor agents can autonomously evolve and enhance their disease treatment capabilities.

The Beijing-based Global Times reported on May 29, highlighting the practical implications of this cutting-edge approach to healthcare.

The Agent Hospital, a virtual world entirely controlled by intelligent agents powered by large language models (LLMs), simulates a complete medical ecosystem.

These AI agents include doctors, nurses, and patients, all interacting autonomously to create a realistic healthcare setting.

According to the research team leader, Liu Yang, AI doctors in this virtual town can treat up to 10,000 patients within a few days—a feat that would take human doctors at least two years.

The AI hospital town enables students to practice and propose treatment plans confidently without the risk of harming real patients. This virtual training environment is designed to simulate various medical scenarios, including the spread, development, and control of infectious diseases within a region.