The Future of AI: Highlights from the 7th World Voice Expo in Hefei, China
The 7th World Voice Expo in Hefei, China, showcased the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, with a humanoid robot stealing the show by taking selfies with visitors. The event, which ran from Thursday to Sunday, featured over 200 AI products, including humanoid robots, human-machine interaction systems, and upgraded large language models.
One of the standout exhibits was a second-generation humanoid robot developed by AI company iFLYTEK, which impressed visitors by performing delicate tasks such as pouring coffee. Powered by a large language model, the robot demonstrated its intelligence and ability to interact with humans in a natural and intuitive way.
Another highlight of the expo was Unitree’s star humanoid robot, Unitree H1, which can move at an impressive speed of 3.3 meters per second. The robotics startup has already sold over 100 of these robots, showcasing the growing market demand for commercial humanoid robots.
In addition to humanoid robots, the expo also featured innovative AI applications in various industries, such as an automatic voice-interaction testing system for new energy vehicles (NEVs). This system streamlines the testing process for voice interactions in intelligent cockpits, significantly reducing the time and resources required for R&D.
The expo underscored China’s commitment to AI innovation and development, with the government unveiling an AI Plus initiative to drive the digital economy’s expansion and modernize manufacturing sectors. With over 4,500 AI companies in China and a core AI industry worth over 578 billion yuan ($81.3 billion), AI is poised to transform industries and improve people’s lives in the coming years.
As AI continues to reshape various sectors, from automotive to consumer electronics, the future looks bright for AI technology in China and beyond. The expo served as a testament to the rapid advancements in AI and robotics, offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
