On June 16, 2024, the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) made a groundbreaking announcement. The non-profit organization launched a suite of open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models and tools aimed at advancing the technology’s local development. This move is a testament to China’s determination to make strides in AI, even in the face of US attempts to restrict its access to advanced technologies.
The suite of tools unveiled by BAAI includes large language models (LLMs) such as their latest iteration of the BAAI’s BGE model, Emu 3 multimodal. These models have been instrumental in developing the world’s first clinical robot for cardiac ultrasonic scanning. BAAI also released other open-source tools to aid institutions and companies in AI training.
Wang Zhongyuan, the head of BAAI, emphasized the organization’s commitment to pioneering research and breakthroughs in the AI field. He expressed pride in BAAI’s contributions to the industry’s development. So far, BAAI’s open-source LLMs have been downloaded globally over 47 million times, showcasing their impact and reach.
BAAI, established in 2018 with the backing of the Beijing municipality and the Chinese science and technology ministry, has been at the forefront of China’s LLM research. The organization’s accomplishments predate the groundbreaking debut of ChatGPT by Microsoft-backed OpenAI in 2022. In 2021, BAAI launched Wudao 1, China’s first LLM, which has since propelled the success of high-flying AI start-ups like Moonshot AI and Zhipu AI. These start-ups, led by Yang Zhiling and Zhang Peng, both researchers on the Wudao project, are valued at over $3 billion in recent funding talks, making them the most valuable Chinese AI firms.
During Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to BAAI, he was informed of the challenges China faces in catching up to the United States in AI. Despite concerns regarding national security leading to possible export curbs and limitations on Chinese access to US-made AI models, BAAI remains optimistic about global collaboration and dismisses the idea that the US can impede China’s AI progress.
In a recent interview, Wang expressed confidence that the US will eventually choose to work with China, particularly when the era of artificial general intelligence arrives. The world will need to cooperate to address the risks associated with AI. While the restrictions imposed by the US on China’s access to AI computing power and talent will undoubtedly have an impact, Wang believes they can only delay, not halt, China’s AI advancements.
BAAI’s introduction of open-source tools and models marks another significant step in China’s AI development. With a focus on global collaboration, the organization aims to foster innovation and accelerate AI progress. As China continues to invest in AI research and development, it is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
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