Summary of Key Highlights
This year's World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) was more popular than ever, evolving from a professional B2B exhibition into a nationwide AI celebration. AI is no longer just a chat tool on screens; it's making its way into reality through two main pathways: Agents—which enable AI to complete entire work processes independently in the digital world—and embodied intelligence—which gives AI physical forms (robots) that can be used in real-life scenarios such as factories, restaurants, and pharmacies. Although there were some elements of hype (such as Agents being merely marketing gimmicks), there were also numerous practical applications. The participation of traditional companies like Luckin Coffee and Yili, along with young entrepreneurs, suggests a promising future for AI.
1. WAIC Goes Viral: From a Professional Exhibition to a National Event with Ticket Prices Higher than Concerts
The excitement surrounding WAIC this year was beyond expectations. Tickets were in high demand even before the conference started; a daily pass costing 168 yuan was sold by scalpers for thousands of yuan, and three-day passes reached 3000 yuan. Outside the venue, there were crowds of people eager to enter, with fans becoming highly sought-after items.
Unlike previous years, which mainly attracted B2B professionals, this year saw many ordinary consumers (including attractive individuals and technology enthusiasts), leading some to describe the experience as similar to attending a festival market. This change indicates that AI is no longer just for insiders; it has entered the public consciousness. Even booths selling ice cream and coffee became popular. Companies like Luckin Coffee showcased their intelligent supply chains, while traditional players like Yili and L'Oréal joined in, demonstrating how AI is integrating with various industries.
2. Agents: AI Moves from Chat Tools to Digital Workers
An Agent is essentially an AI assistant that can independently perform a range of tasks, not just answer questions or complete simple assignments. At WAIC, agents were everywhere, focusing on two main areas:
- Virtual Assistants: These help with online tasks. Major companies were competing to create “all-around” assistants; for example, Tencent's AI Buddy covered office and coding tasks, Baidu's assistant became a highlight of the exhibition, and Alibaba Cloud adapted its infrastructure to support Agent operations.
- Hardware + Agents: AI-enabled devices became popular, such as smartphones that integrated with services like Meituan and Alipay, and cameras on Honor phones that could track users automatically. However, these technologies are still in the experimental phase and need to improve in terms of usability to gain widespread acceptance.
3. Embodied Intelligence: Robots Take Action
Embodied intelligence means giving AI a physical form. This year's robot展区 was three times larger than last year, with 242 brands showcasing their products. The focus was on practical applications rather than just impressive displays:
- Entertainment Robots: Robots that could play table tennis, drum, or dance were very popular. While some viewed these as entertainment, founders argued that they have real commercial potential, such as in performances and exhibitions.
- Practical Applications: Robots were used in real-world scenarios: for example, robots from Shizhihang automated automotive wiring production lines, those from Qinglang delivered coffee, and those from JD.com handled warehouse tasks. Even robotic hands made a splash—ones from Critical Point could twist balloons with precision, indicating technological progress.
- Companion Robots: More practical companion robots were on display, such as the commercially available中兴 Mochi and Fourier's robot that acted as a sleep companion or a cute plush toy.
4. Beyond the Hype: Real Progress with Traditional Companies and Young Innovators
Despite some hype, there was real progress:
- Traditional Enterprises: Companies like Luckin Coffee and Yili are using AI to optimize their operations.
- Young Innovators: The “Global Connection Hall” featured startups from Generation Z and Millennial generations, presenting innovative ideas in AI art and digital life. For instance, a 10-year-old team at Baidu developed an operating system and 20 games in half a year, representing the potential of young innovators.
These developments show that AI is moving from theory to practical applications. The hype will eventually subside, and only companies with solid solutions will thrive.
In Conclusion
WAIC this year demonstrated how AI is evolving from a chat tool on screens to useful assistants and robots. Despite some exaggeration, the real progress in AI implementation and innovation is clear, and the future looks promising.