It will be the first of its kind lab in APAC region and the 3rd largest lab in the world
The US tech-giant Microsoft is expected to inaugurate the lab in April at the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. It will work as a smart platform for Chinese businesses in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.
The lab will be focused on enhancing deep integration of AI and IoT, and cloud computing. Likewise, it will also help digital transformation across industries including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and the public sector.
Will compete with Tancent, Baidu, and Alibaba
Chinese tech-dragons including Tancent, Baidu, and Alibaba are already on the AI and robotics race and are developing their AI and cloud capabilities.
Recently, Alibaba has opened an AI hotel where robots serve the dishes, cocktails, and coffee to customers.The hotel is located in Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, where Alibaba is headquartered. It is known as the company’s first “future hotel”.
Microsoft promises to bring the best of AI and IoT
“Roan Kang, vice president of Microsoft China, said in a statement, “China is the world’s largest IoT market, with great potential in deploying AI and IoT technologies.”Furthermore, the US tech giant vowed to offer its best AI and IoT platforms, products, and solutions to help Chinese businesses increase their productivity.
Made in China 2025 initiative
Currently, the Chinese government is promoting its Made in China 2025 initiative. The initiative aims to push the country up in the global value chain. As a result, it is a kind of support to the Microsoft’s AI move.
In an interview with state broadcaster CCTV on Jan 10, Miao Wei, Head of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said,“China would cut taxes and fees to ease burdens for Chinese tech and manufacturing companies, seeking to promote high-quality manufacturing.”
