Chinese firms showcase breakthroughs in key technologies at global AI conference in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, 7th July, 2023 (WAM) — The development of China’s artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining momentum, with domestic tech firms showcasing various breakthroughs in key technologies at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) which kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday.

According to People’s Daily Online, business insiders and experts said China has a long way to go to achieve high-tech self-reliance but they expressed firm confidence in the country’s capability of attaining the goal on the back of policy support, industrial and supply chain coordination and continuous opening-up.

On Thursday, a multitude of people gathered to interact with the large language models which are the most popular attraction in this year’s event. NetEase Youdao unveiled an interactive English language learning chatbot at the event, which allows speakers to practice spoken English with the AI model.

Chinese tech firm Meituan launched the 4.0 version of its unmanned aircraft system at the event. Compared with the previous editions, it has longer delivery range and better performance operating in inclement weather environment.

In terms of semiconductors, a number of domestic chip companies including Enflame, Vastai Technologies and Hexaflake unveiled their cutting-edge AI chips, which enable large language models to process vast amounts of data at lightning speed.

The process of achieving self-reliance in science and technology has helped Chinese high-tech enterprises to forge their core competitiveness, and enabled them to become an essential part in the global innovative industrial chain.

According to 2022 Global AI Innovation Index Report released at the WAIC, China ranks second in Global AI Innovation Index for the third straight year in 2022, as it has been accelerating efforts in expanding its talent pool, building data infrastructure and making technological breakthroughs.

Focused on high-tech sectors including large models, chips, robots, and intelligent driving, the global event attracted more than 400 exhibitors and over 50 outstanding startups, with more than 30 cutting-edge products debuted for the first time.

The organiser also said that the exhibition area totaled more than 50,000 metres. The number for participating companies and the venue area are at their highest levels since 2018, when the annual event was inaugurated, according to Xinhua.