Experts call for more steps to develop AI technology

A staff member presents a robot designed for children at the 2016 Chinese Congress on Artificial Intelligence (CCAI 2016) in Beijing, capital of China, August 26, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Leading experts called for more efforts to develop core artificial intelligence technology, as China bets on cutting-edge technologies to advance high-end manufacturing and the innovation tide sweeps across the country.

Tan Tieniu, a member of the Chinese Academy of Science, said the recent years have seen significant progress in the artificial intelligence sector but it is important to stay calm and dedicate more efforts to the research and development of key technologies.

"The central government has rolled out a slate of policies to promote AI. Now it is of crucial importance to implement these policies," Tan said.

Tan, who is also the vice-chairman of Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence, made the comments at a AI conference in Beijing. He said the country's Internet Plus initiative and Made in China 2025 strategy offer good opportunities for AI, which can boost traditional manufacturing companies' competence.

In May, China said in a three-year national AI development plan that the country will focus on the application of AI in smartphone home appliances, self-driving vehicles, robots, security products and other areas.

According to Tan, though the AI industry is still in infant stage, AlphaGo's earlier victory over a world champion player of the ancient strategy game Go proved how far AI can be in a professional area.

The global AI market hit $127 billion in 2015 and it is excited to exceed $165 billion this year, he added.

Li Zexiang, Chairman of DJI Technology Co Ltd, China's largest drone maker, said AI and robotics are both important in helping the country maintain growth.

"AI is like human being's brain and robotics function as a person's limbs. They need to cooperate with each other," Li said.

According to him, the country's booming consumer electronics industry and its sound manufacturing supply chain will offer a great opportunity for homegrown robots makers to grow.