Summary of Key Highlights
The most significant change at this year's World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) is that AI is no longer just a showcase for impressive technological capabilities; it has become a fundamental tool applicable across various industries. The focus of the conference has shifted from who has developed the most advanced models to who can effectively integrate AI into real-world scenarios and create tangible value. Robots are now competing in practical work applications, office AI has evolved into useful assistants, traditional industries are using AI to transform their business models, and even entrepreneurs born in the 2000s are entering the field with solutions to everyday life challenges. AI has officially entered a more pragmatic phase, where the emphasis is on how technology can solve real problems.
Detailed Analysis
1. Robots: From Showoff Skills to Practical Solutions
Last year, robots were still demonstrating fancy skills like dancing and climbing stairs, but this year, companies are focusing on practical applications. For example:
- Zero Square Robotics didn't showcase elaborate movements; instead, they demonstrated the basic ability to pick up snacks and transfer them between boxes, which is already in use in unmanned retail stores and delivery systems.
- Xixiang Technology introduced an AI-powered cafeteria that automatically prepares meals and serves customers, demonstrating a real-world application of this technology.
- Ant Group's smart pharmacy uses three robots to handle orders, retrieve medications, and pack products, which are already in practical use.
- Fourier Robotics has brought home-related services to the conference, with robots delivering items and doing household chores. Their rehabilitation robots have also been introduced in hospitals.
Companies are also targeting overseas markets. Fourier Robotics expanded into Europe in 2018 and saw rapid growth after obtaining EU certification. The goal is not just to sell products but to meet local standards and generate revenue by integrating AI into real-life scenarios. In the future, robot companies without actual orders or practical use cases will be eliminated. The competition will focus on who can successfully deploy robots in factories, warehouses, and stores and establish profitable business models.
2. Office AI: Beyond Chatting Tools
Large companies like Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba are placing a strong emphasis on office AI assistants that can perform tasks beyond simple conversations. For example:
- Baidu's assistant can generate PPTs, analyze data, and organize documents based on user requests.
- Alibaba's "Qianwen Office" integrates tools for document management, PPT creation, and audio/video processing, and it connects with DingTalk to access company schedules and data.
- iFlytek specializes in government and party office applications, generating complete official documents within seconds, emphasizing localization and security.
- SenseTime can automatically clean Excel data, analyze business information, and create report PPTs, streamlining multiple tasks.
These AI tools are no longer just decorative additions but have become integral parts of work processes, helping users to complete tasks from initiating requests to obtaining results.
3. Traditional Industries Reimagining with AI
Companies outside the tech sector, such as Luckin Coffee, L'Oréal, and Guotai Haitong, are also using AI to transform their business models. For example:
- Guotai Haitong's "Lingxi APP" is the first AI-powered app in the securities industry, covering the entire investment process from market sentiment analysis to intelligent order placement and account management.
- L'Oréal uses AI to analyze skin conditions and predict future skin trends, as well as assist scientists in selecting ingredients, reducing research time and making skincare solutions more precise.
- Luckin Coffee's "AI Lucky" allows HarmonyOS users to order drinks without even opening the app; it automatically selects the drink, processes the payment, and retrieves the order.
These companies are reimagining their business models using AI to leverage their data and industry expertise to find unique applications for this technology.
4. Entrepreneurs Born in the 2000s: Solving Real-Life Problems with AI
The entrepreneurship area on the B1 floor of the conference was dominated by entrepreneurs born in the 2000s, who are using AI to address everyday challenges. For example:
- ZeroZeroTech created a robotic arm for automatic hair styling and plans to develop bathroom solutions for brushing teeth and shaving.
- "I Don't Care" started as an app for women's emotional support but evolved into a parent-child assistant that allows children to communicate with plush toys, and parents can track their children's growth through the AI.
- Shanghai Rongyin's AI magnifying glass not only identifies objects but also reminds users to dispose of empty bottles and serve water, incorporating character development features.
- Zhejiang Paiqi's AI chatbot gradually develops a personality, becoming a long-term digital companion that understands users' needs.
These entrepreneurs are focusing on specific vertical markets and using AI to solve unique problems in people's daily lives.
Conclusion
This year's WAIC highlights the transformation of AI from a cutting-edge technology in laboratories to a practical tool that everyone can use. The future competition in AI will not be about who has the most impressive technology but about who can effectively apply it to meet the real needs of individuals and businesses.