(Summer Davos) AI steals the spotlight at Summer Davos
TIANJIN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Amid bustling crowds at the ongoing Summer Davos Forum in north China's Tianjin, demonstrations of a humanoid robot and dexterous robotic hands have consistently drawn curious attendees, who pause to observe and interact with the technologies.
"Each dexterous hand integrates 1,140 intelligent tactile processing units (ITPUs) -- multi-dimensional tactile sensing units -- capable of detecting 15 physical attributes, including 3D array force, 3D resultant force, material, temperature and texture, while executing complex movements like gripping, pinching and pressing," said Yang Li, a representative of Shenzhen-based PaXini Technology, an advanced technology company specializing in multi-dimensional tactile sensing and embodied intelligence technology.
"The four-finger dexterous hand is delicate enough to pick up a potato chip without damaging it," Li added. "Reducing the hand to four fingers maintains full functionality while cutting costs by 20 percent for end users."
These technologies have already been applied across such sectors as precision manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, automotive production, commercial retail, smart home systems, and health care and wellness. "They help reduce the workload for humans and can be used in scenarios unsuitable for people," Li said.
Xu Jincheng, the company's CEO, views the product's debut at Davos as both a global showcase and an opportunity to accelerate international collaboration. The company aims to expand its overseas markets and forge partnerships with top universities and research institutions to accelerate brand growth.
AI has been a recurring theme at Davos, but this year, groundbreaking advancements such as the latest ChatGPT iterations, AIGC developments and China's impressive DeepSeek models have propelled AI onto center stage. From panel events to private discussions, AI has dominated conversations among the global leaders, entrepreneurs and academics gathered at the event.
"AI serves as a cornerstone technology for new quality productive forces. The integration of AI across all industries will drive a new wave of industrial revolution, injecting robust momentum into high-quality development," said Zhou Hongyi, founder of Chinese internet security firm Qihoo 360.
During the forum, when discussing the impacts of and emerging opportunities presented by cutting-edge technologies such as AI and robotics, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair described the shift as "a complete revolution."
Emphasizing that these advancements could revolutionize health care, education and governance, while also serving as the key driver of productivity in the private sector, Blair said that countries and companies that embrace it are going to succeed, and those that don't will fall behind, urging world leaders to prioritize this field.
The Chinese government work report released early this year called for the extensive application of large-scale AI models and the vigorous development of new-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment, including intelligent connected new-energy vehicles, AI-enabled phones and computers, and intelligent robots.
Today, traditional industries are also embracing AI.
Luzhou Laojiao -- a time-honored brand of baijiu, which is a type of distilled spirit -- has built a digital platform for the eco-park it has developed. "AI and digital management boost efficiency, lower costs and drive traditional enterprise transformation," according to the company's chairman, Liu Miao.
Industry insiders and experts are also emphasizing AI's role in China's high-quality development and economic growth.
"From manufacturing to rural revitalization, and from the green transition to cultural heritage preservation, agricultural modernization and health care, AI technologies are embedding themselves deeply into China's real economy, creating a virtuous cycle where technology and industry propel each other," said Dai Anshu, an associate professor at the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics.
"As a global industrial technology leader, Schneider Electric has strategically invested in AI for over two decades, with deep expertise in machine learning and algorithms," said Yin Zheng, executive vice president of China and East Asia Operations at Schneider Electric.
The company now boasts a global team of over 350 AI specialists and has established an AI innovation lab in China to drive cutting-edge research and development, including the application of AI in various industrial scenarios.
"Our company will increase R&D investment further to drive the deeper integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI with industrial applications, partnering with Chinese industries to create an innovation-led future," Yin added. ■