Tech Talk: 2024 is pivotal for competition in AI applications

Editor's note: Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney and Sora have been fueling our daily discussions recently for their jaw-dropping capabilities. However, this initial excitement also comes with anxiety: What exactly can we expect from AI? Are fears of human labor being replaced by AI warranted? Can we find ways to coexist? In this special series of Tech Talk, we invite scholars and industry experts to explore these questions and see if we can find any common ground. This episode focuses on the AI application scenarios in rural areas and other fields.

The function and popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) are soaring by the day. Today, you can find applications of AI almost everywhere. Its growing influence is shaping our future of work and life.

"[The year] 2024 is pivotal for the competition of AI applications," said Lyu Benfu, vice chairman at the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, in an interview with CGTN.

He said that the race is on among those who can find AI application scenarios, that can improve everyday life in education, healthcare and entertainment. China's Domineering CEO series of short dramas have been welcomed by overseas markets, which is a vivid example of the application of AI in the entertainment field. Though it's not yet deeply applied in this field, he believes that it will be deepened further in the era of AI.

In the interview, he also specifically mentioned the impact of AI on rural development. He said that areas that are underdeveloped often face shortages of good doctors, teachers and consultants, but AI addresses this problem perfectly. He believes that AI can provide new solutions in areas such as cancer screening, fostering talents, and reducing crop growing risks.

In the government work report presented at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress on Tuesday, there was a notable emphasis on accelerating the development of new quality productive forces as part of efforts to modernize China's industrial system. The term "new quality productive forces" refers to advanced productivity featuring high technology, high efficiency, and high quality. In Lyu's view, the development of new quality productive forces needs to be supported by AI, which means applying AI to empower various industries. 

"Intelligence lies at the core of the new quality productive forces. Smart manufacturing leads to higher efficiency and also contributes to energy saving and emission reduction," he said.

Video editor: Gao Yuxin

Videographer: Zhao Wenting

Cover Image: Yin Yating