Chinese tech firms Baidu and SenseTime have launched their AI bots, ERNIE Bot and SenseChat, to the public, marking a milestone in the global AI race. Baidu’s ERNIE Bot allows users to conduct AI-powered searches and perform various tasks, while SenseTime’s SenseChat platform offers features like code writing and virtual health consultations. Baidu’s shares rose following the announcement, and it is the first company in China to launch this type of service publicly. China has implemented regulations on generative AI, making it one of the first countries to do so. Baidu has been a front-runner in the race to capitalize on generative AI, impressing users with its capabilities. Competitors like Alibaba have also announced plans to launch their own AI tools. Some critics believe these offerings will fuel the US-China rivalry in emerging technologies, but Baidu’s CEO denies this. Baidu’s service stands out for its advanced understanding of Chinese queries and its ability to generate different types of responses. Both ERNIE Bot and SenseChat are available globally, with Chinese interfaces but support for both Chinese and English prompts.
