Ping pong playing robot just one highlight of AI conference

Buses and cars driving themselves, robots performing artistically, avant-garde-style oil tanks serving as venues for interactive AI displays, and a robot that can play ping pong better than you — these are just some of the attractions at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) that opens to the public Monday.

The WAIC, which Shanghai Daily took a preview tour of today, is also expected to attract 270 speakers, including top business executives and leading researchers.

In indoor exhibition hall B, AI applications such as those fighting finance fraud, monitoring traffic in railway stations, and robots that can perform art or guide the public, were all on display.

In the outdoors spaces, driverless cars and buses are ready for passengers. Meanwhile, several “oil tanks” hosted display exhibitions covering AI applications used in finance, healthcare and retail sectors.

A ping pong playing robot, which can beat most visitors and staff, represents China’s development of industrial robotics.

The opening ceremony and main forum of WAIC 2018 will be held at the West Bund Art Center. Sub-forums will be held at Long Museum and Yuz Museum. 

WAIC will open to the public on Monday in the West Bund of Xuhui District.