Robots Embody China's AI Aims

At Expo, Machines Serve Drinks, Play Drums and Games.

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Serving craft beer, playing mahjong, stacking shelves and boxing, the dozens of humanoid robots at Shanghai's World AI Conference (WAIC) at the weekend were embodiments of China's growing AI prowess and ambition.

The annual event is primed at showcasing China's progress in the ever-evolving field of AI, with the government aiming to position the country as a world leader on both technology and regulation as it snaps at the US' heels.

Opening the event on Saturday, Premier Li Qiang announced China would set up a new organization for cooperation on AI governance, warning the benefits of development must be balanced with the risks.

But in the cavernous expo next door, the mood was more giddy than concerned.

"Demand is currently very strong, whether in terms of data, scenarios, model training or artificial construction. The overall atmosphere in all these areas is very lively," said Yang Yifan, research and development director at Transwarp, a Shanghai-based AI platform provider.