YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP has announced that it has collaborated with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia to create a joint lab dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and computer vision in the fashion industry. The three-year partnership with AlmageLab, the AI research centre of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, will set up a research programme led by Professor Rita Cucchiara, one of the leading experts in the field and Director of the National Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems.

In an online statement, YNAP has said that its "ultimate goal is to completely revolutionize the online shopping experiences of customers all over the world, developing cutting-edge technological solutions thanks to the processing of its huge archive, which contains over 20 years of data and tens of millions of images."

The lab will mainly focus on topics such as visual search and virtual try on. YNAP also promotes the use of AI in the fight against COVID-19 through its Folding@Home initiative, allowing consumers and companies to donate computing power for the simulation of protein dynamics and the development of new therapies. 

Federica Marchetti, Chairman and CEO of YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP said: "The collaboration with one of the world excellences in the study of Artificial Intelligence allows us to explore the potential of technology in support of humanity in an innovative way."