Tianjin has achieved notable scientific and technological achievements in emerging artificial intelligence (AI) industry, and laid a stable industry foundation by gathering a number of renowned enterprises from home and abroad.

The overall development level of AI in Tianjin, according to the China Artificial Intelligence Industry Data Report 2017 issued by China Xintong Institute, is in the upper middle section of the country. It nationally ranked among the top ten in terms of enterprise quantities and financing volume. The scale of artificial intelligence core industry in our city is about 6 billion yuan($865,376,294), said a staff with Tianjin Municipal Industry and Information Technology Commission.

UAV performs plant protection in Binhai. [Photo/people.com.cn]

In Tianjin, AI has been used in an array of industries such as smart chips, artificial intelligence software and algorithms, artificial intelligence computing, and intelligent terminal products.

In terms of AI products, Tianjin's related companies involved with machine manufacturing, camera, sensors, high-performance server mold manufacturing and other important areas rank among the leading positions in the country.

Research results in basic software and core algorithm continue to make new progress. Galaxy Kirin operating system and Nanda GBase series database technology have reached internationally advanced level, leading intelligent industry development. Zhongke Intelligent Identification Industry Technology Research Institute has made breakthroughs in the field of face recognition, Tiandi Weiye in the field of image intelligent analysis, and Tianjin Xunfei Technology in the field of speech recognition. Shenzhou GM, Shuguang, Qilin, Zhongxing Electronics, Feiteng and other enterprises have received support from National Science and Technology Major Project.

Highway driverless race held in Tianjin. [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

AI has pushed forward the intelligent manufacturing in Tianjin. Enterprises have made great advances in intelligent manufacturing, such as smart battery producing factory for electric vehicles, intelligent printing equipment manufacturing, and digital workshop for Aluminum alloy forging.

AI development benefits the daily lives of the people. Wide deployment of smart transportation and smart medical care has improved public transportation and medical service. Unmanned and Intelligent network car is also among the leading position. Remote diagnostic and smart wearable medical equipment have witnessed increasing use. New technologies such as surgical robots, auxiliary diagnosis, gene sequencing, and three-dimensional (3D) printing have also been applied in scientific research and clinical applications.

 Remote diagnostic [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

Tianjin is adding energy to AI development. New policies and measures have been introduced to support AI development. Special funds have been instilled of 10 billion($1.44 billion) for intelligent manufacturing and 100 billion($14.42 billion) for intelligent technology industry. In addition, supports from marketing and application are also being provided by the relevant departments of the city.

Up to date, the city has gathered more than 20 high-level scientific research institutions egaging in the research and development of AI industry, such as the National Supercomputer Center, Tsinghua High-end Institute, China Science and Technology Intelligent Identification Research Institute, and China Automotive Technology Research Center.

In October, the city also set up an intelligent technology industry expert consulting committee to assist healthy and rapid development of the industry. Specific tasks include predicting and technical tracking of artificial intelligence, assisting in the making of policy planning and strategic planning and other helps.

"As the core force of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, AI will lead the major changes in economic structure, promote industrial transformation and upgrading, and aim to leap in productivity. Tianjin is currently accelerating the development of emerging industries. AI will become a gateway to promoting the high-end development of Tianjin's industry, said the staff with Tianjin Municipal Industry and Information Technology Commission.

In order to keep abreast with the latest technology and accelerate the construction of Smart Tianjin, the city has recently publicized Tianjin Artificial Intelligence Industry Development Three-Year Plan (2018-2020).

"Tianjin's goal is that by 2020, the overall development of AI industry will rank in the leading position of the country, and the scale of core industry will reach 15 billion yuan($2.16 billion), driving related industries to 130 billion yuan($18.73 billion)," added the staff member.