The sleepy water town of Wuzhen in China’s Zhejiang Province has transformed into a bustling hub of innovation as the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit kicks off. This year, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the star of the show, captivating visitors with immersive experiences and groundbreaking technologies.
For the first time, the Light of the Internet Expo, a cornerstone event of the summit, features an AI experience area. Here, attendees can hum a simple tune and watch as AI composes an original melody on the spot, or marvel at AI-assisted creations of stunning landscape paintings. These interactive exhibits aren’t just for show—they highlight AI’s growing role in daily life and underscore its prominence on this year’s summit agenda.
The expo has attracted over 660 global companies, breaking records for both international participation and the number of exhibitors. Attendees can explore the latest advancements in AI and witness over 100 new product launches and ten major technological debuts scheduled during the event.
Running from November 19 to 22, the Wuzhen Summit’s theme, “Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future – Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” reflects a commitment to harnessing technology for the betterment of society. The summit includes a main forum and 24 sub-forums covering a range of topics, from the digital economy and open-source ecosystem development to data governance and AI innovation.
This year, a specialized AI section has been added to the sub-forums, focusing on innovation, governance, and the responsible application of AI technologies. It represents a global platform for cooperation and exchange, emphasizing the importance of ethical AI development.
Beyond AI, other smart technologies are making their debut. Visitors can meet smart robot dogs, see unmanned patrol cars capable of navigating diverse terrains with a 280-kilogram load, and watch 5G-equipped unmanned boats traverse Wuzhen’s intricate river network. Together, these technologies form an autonomous patrol team, enhancing security in collaboration with local police forces.
The 2024 Wuzhen Summit also introduces new initiatives like the WIC Distinguished Contribution Award, recognizing global achievements in internet technology. Out of 270 entries from 24 countries, 20 projects received WIC Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology, highlighting groundbreaking work in areas such as brain-inspired computing, embodied intelligence, and 6G networks.
Furthermore, a special committee on AI is being established under the WIC framework, marking the first specialized and permanent branch of the conference. The think tank collaboration program, involving around 60 leading think tanks, aims to foster global discussions on the impact of the internet. An international digital training institute is also being introduced to enhance global digital literacy.
China’s commitment to promoting global AI governance and cooperation is evident. By the end of 2025, the country plans to organize ten AI seminars for developing countries, reinforcing its dedication to ensuring that AI benefits all nations.
As the world navigates the rapid advancements in technology, events like the WIC Wuzhen Summit play a crucial role in shaping a future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.
Reference(s):
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