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Race for AI

Hey everyone! This is Konstantin Perederiy - technology advisor and AI enthusiast. Today our Six Articles are about AI race and China. Traditionally West leads the way in technology and East is in the second place copying best practices and latest solutions. Chinese community had their Sputnik moment when AlfaGo defeated world Go champion. Ever since that moment, Chinese government and corporations started rapid development of AI technology at the national level. We may end up living in a different world when Chinese companies will capture a larger market share and will own technology space. Let’s see what’s going on here and where it can take us.

#1 China plan for leading the AI industry
In 2017 the Chinese government adopted «A Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan». Just to name few steps of the plan: keeping pace with leading AI application development by 2020, achieving major breakthroughs until 2025 and finally leading the way with a domestic industry of 150 bln USD. Don’t be fooled when you think that this was initiated yesterday, China was making investing lots of efforts to advance in AI technology. However, the AlfaGo case became an acceleration point in that. According to the plan Baidu, Alibaba and other China tech giants will lead the way.
http://bit.ly/2NJ9Umu

#2 Deciphering China’s AI dream
As soon as news about China’s major developments in AI hit the headlines researches started to wonder whether it is true or not, that China can surpass the US in AI space. This report from Oxford scientist provides a more comprehensive view of how things are unfolding in reality. Couple major points: China has a big gap to cover before it can catch up to the level of US. However, multiple efforts and streams on a national and local level have been out there for many years. It all depends on the speed of the development and how successful China will be in winning the war for talent.
http://bit.ly/2PxH1LP

#3 China overtakes US in AI funding in 2017
While the capabilities and talent in China may be lagging behind, we cannot say the same about the amount of funding. In 2017 China was responsible for 48% funding in AI space, taking the first place and overtaking US in this particular category. This doesn’t mean much yet, but if the trend continues, it is inevitable that within 5 - 10 years time China will be able to advance AI technology to the level beyond US tech giants can handle.
http://bit.ly/2AbYlRi

#4 World’s most valuable Chinese AI startup raises 620 million USD
China has made the advancement of AI it’s core economic success pillar. As a result, we observe the creation and growth of most valuable AI technology startups globally. SenseTime, video recognition company founded by professor Tang Xiaoo of Hong Kong University, raised 620 million in round C+ and became the most valuable startup with an evaluation of 4.5 billion USD. SenseTime significantly contributed to China’s efforts of building the largest video surveillance network, as well as it partnered with traffic control authorities to optimize subway and road traffic. The company became profitable in 2017 and continues double-digit growth.
http://bit.ly/2Ouxlp1

#5 Peek of robotics revolution at the «world’s factory»
We traditionally think of China as a "world factory" with cheap labor. Country’s goal is to get to the automation level of 150 robots for every 10000 workers. It is still far behind than some other countries globally (South Korea leads the rating with 638 robots per 10000 workers). However, when you explore the number of efforts and funding, which are being poured into space, you start wondering if it is going to be too long when China catches up to Germany level with more than 300 robots per 10000 worked.
http://bit.ly/2RPITRD

#6 How AI can save humanity
Kai-Fu Lee is one of the most notorious venture capitalists in AI industry in China.