Reporter's diary: AI's key role in boosting digital economy

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The second digital China Summit in Fuzhou City, east China's Fujian Province, sheds light on the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Governments and companies are using this technology to improve efficiency and cut costs.

After touring the event for two days, I do feel that every corner of China is embracing the digital technology.

From government departments to state-owned enterprises and tech companies, AI is everywhere. /CGTN Photo

AI+ security

I visited some big tech companies in the exhibition hall. The Beijing Kuangshi Technology Company showcased its latest AI facial recognition technology, that can tell your gender and approximate age just by scanning your face.

AI cameras have been widely used in security, retail and finance sectors. /CGTN Photo

It was a little off on my age though, saying I'm 27 when I'm 33! Improving AI camera accuracy and protecting user privacy are some of the concerns and challenges.

"Customers must first have market demand, then the government has to confirm the data is secure, and then companies can offer reliable technologies," Xie Yinan, vice president of Beijing Kuangshi Technology Company, told CGTN .

AI+ speech recognition

Iflytek is one of the leading voice recognition companies in the world. I tried one of their latest products- a special notebook equipped with the latest AI speech recognition technology. When I am talking in Chinese, the notebook can display my words in real time.

CGTN's Wu Lei tried voice recognition product at the second Digital China Summit. /CGTN Photo

There are concerns that AI may lead to widespread job losses but experts say the technology is being developed to help humans and not replace them.

AI+ IoT = AIoT

Smart home is another example of digital society. Nowadays AI technology has integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT).

I went to Baidu's smart home experience center. While watching TV, you no longer need a remote control, instead you can tell the smart speaker to do it for you.

It seems many electronic devices can be easily connected with smart speakers and your phone, but it is not easy to interconnect different brands of digital devices. /CGTN Photo

Right now Chinese authorities are issuing specific directions for AI standards which will offer great opportunities, Xie said.

AI plays a key role in boosting digital economy

AI has become the engine that boosts the digital economy. But there are so many traditional sectors waiting to be upgraded. Tech companies and traditional sectors are expected to work closely, integrating AI technology into different sectors and making our lives more secure and comfortable.