AI reigns supreme at Light of Internet Expo in China

The AI extravaganza is unfolding and dazzling visitors at the ongoing Light of Internet Expo in China's Wuzhen Town, as part of the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit.

This year's Wuzhen Summit has firmly placed AI at the forefront and a separate area is dedicated to all kinds of humanoid robots, where the boundaries between human and machine blur.

A humanoid robot featured at the expo possesses super flexibility and agility. Equipped with advanced sensors like 3D laser radar and depth-sensing cameras, the robot can perceive the environment, execute complex tasks and adapt to various scenarios with remarkable precision.

Beside the energetic robot, there is a lovely robot dog stealing attention by demonstrating a series of acrobatic feats, from walking on its hind legs to swiftly recovering from tumbles. Not only can it follow commands flawlessly, but it also exhibits exceptional load-bearing capabilities, making it a valuable asset in scenarios requiring strength and resilience.

"The robot dog can stand steadily with a load of over 110 kilograms and walk with a load of over 80 kilograms. It can be used in scenarios such as fire exploration, fire rescue, industrial inspections. They can carry instruments and equipment, including mechanical arms, sensors, and other devices, to assist humans in dangerous environment," said Chen Xiyun, an exhibitor.

A robot girl in gorgeous Chinese traditional costume dancing at the expo also attracted loads of visitors. The robot is designed to mirror people's delicate expressions like blinking and moving eyes and can dance flexibly like a real dancer. Designers said it can be used at scenarios like museums and theaters to enhance visitors' experience.

"In the future, especially in cultural and tourism settings such as museums, exhibition halls, and science centers, robots can be utilized for an upgraded transformation instead of static figures representing historical or modern figures," said Zhang Jiedong, an exhibitor.

As visitors flock to experience the expo's wonders, a wearable equipment designed for assisting in heavy lifting garners significant interest. This innovative device, resembling a backpack, provides users with enhanced strength and endurance to carry 30 kilograms of items easily, offering a glimpse into a future where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly to overcome physical limitations.

"At work I may need to lift and carry things. I might use an exoskeleton suit to enhance my strength. As I grow older, I may need assistance in walking forward and taking steps. Then I can also need an exoskeleton to help me address my physical decline. With the exoskeleton, I may feel more confident to venture out and improve the quality of my elderly life," said Zhang Hua, an exhibitor.

In an era where artificial intelligence continues to shape the landscape of technology and innovation, this year's expo stands as a testament to the boundless potential of AI. With its immersive experiences and cutting-edge demonstrations, the event not only showcases the present capabilities of AI but also offers a glimpse into a future where human-machine collaboration unlocks new realms of possibility and creativity.

The 2024 World Internet Conference(WIC) opened on Wednesday in east China's Wuzhen Town of Zhejiang Province. Themed with "Embracing a people-centered and all-for-good digital future - building a community with a shared future in cyberspace," this year's Wuzhen Summit will run through Nov 22.

AI reigns supreme at Light of Internet Expo in China

China's Shenzhou-19 crew aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station recorded a video to pay tribute to the heroes who dedicated their youth, blood and even their lives to China's space industry.

The video was released on Wednesday, a day marking the 25th anniversary of successful launch of China's first uncrewed spacecraft, Shenzhou-1, on Nov 20, 1999 from northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Up to date, China has launched 19 Shenzhou spacecrafts, 14 of which have sent 24 astronauts into space, with the number of total trips reaching 38.

The crew members, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, were sent into the space station on Oct 30 for a six-month mission.

"On the same day 25 years ago, China's first unmanned spacecraft was successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The first show of the Long March 2F carrier rocket or CZ 2F shocked the world and the first flight of Shenzhou-1 spacecraft has made all the Chinese proud. China's manned space program has taken the first step from blueprinting and dreaming to striving to realize the dream, laying a solid foundation for realizing the Chinese nation's millennium skyward dream," said Cai.

"Over the past 25 years, generations of astronauts have been confident, self-reliant and hardworking. With a coordinated national response and all people being of one mind, we have set new heights in exploring space again and again, including completing the strategic mission of three-step manned space program, building the Chinese people's own space station, highlighting the Chinese Dream through realizing the Space Dream and writing a brilliant chapter in exploring the vast space," said Song.

"Our quest for the vast space will never end. Space exploration is a great feat in human history. It is an expedition with no end and we are always on the road. As astronauts in the new era, we must inherit the revolutionary traditions, shoulder the responsibility of building a great country, continue to climb on the shoulders of giants, and relay well the baton of history of our generation," said Wang.

"To accomplish our great mission, we must always remain true to our original aspiration. On such a memorable day, we pay tribute to all the heroes who have dedicated their youth, blood and even their lives to our country's aerospace industry. The prosperity is as you wish, please rest assured in the future," said the Shenzhou-19 mission crew.

Blessings from Tiangong Space Station to celebrate 25th anniversary of China's first uncrewed spacecraft