(Original title: Shen Xiangyang Envisions a Future Filled with Vertical AI and Industry Integration)
Shen Xiangyang, Executive Vice President of Microsoft and head of the Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Research Division, is optimistic about the future of AI in vertical industries. He believes that as technology continues to evolve, more specialized applications of artificial intelligence will emerge across various sectors.
Shen joined Microsoft 26 years ago and played a key role in establishing the Microsoft China Academy. Today, he holds the position of global Executive Vice President, overseeing long-term strategy development and becoming the only Chinese executive vice president at Microsoft.
AI is set to revolutionize industries such as e-commerce, transportation, and healthcare. The integration of AI into these sectors is expected to bring significant improvements in efficiency, user experience, and service delivery.
Beijing News: Microsoft has invested heavily in Xiao Bing and conversational AI. Why is the company so confident in this area?
Shen Xiangyang: Conversational AI represents the next big shift in computing. It combines human language with machine learning, enabling seamless interactions across all forms of human-computer communication. We envision AI-powered conversations as new channels for people to access information and accomplish tasks more efficiently.
In the future, robots could assist with simple tasks like shopping or financial management, while also helping with complex ones such as planning family vacations. For businesses, AI can streamline operations, improve productivity, and enhance customer service. In essence, conversation-based interfaces will become essential tools for work and daily life.
Beijing News: Who will be affected when AI becomes widespread?
Shen Xiangyang: The fourth industrial revolution, driven by cloud computing, big data, and AI, is transforming industries globally. Companies are now rethinking their business models, operations, and product offerings. This digital transformation brings both challenges and opportunities.
Beijing News: Which areas will see AI commercialization first?
Shen Xiangyang: In the next few years, vertical AI applications will gain traction. Sectors like e-commerce, transportation, and healthcare will increasingly adopt AI solutions. The goal is to see more integration between AI and industry-specific needs.
Beijing News: How do you view the enthusiasm of Chinese internet companies and startups for AI?
Shen Xiangyang: AI is becoming more critical, and its importance is widely recognized. Many companies are shifting their strategies toward AI, which reflects broader market trends. Additionally, large companies have been working on AI for years, but now it's receiving more attention as data, algorithms, and computing power continue to advance.
Microsoft’s Vision for the AI Era
Beijing News: You mentioned that we are entering the AI era after the PC, Internet, and mobile eras. Why?
Shen Xiangyang: Microsoft has been part of every major computing shift. While we led in the PC era with Windows, we faced challenges in the Internet and mobile eras. However, we're now preparing to lead in the AI era.
Beijing News: What role does Microsoft play in the AI era?
Shen Xiangyang: Microsoft is confident in its ability to lead the AI revolution. From the beginning, our research focused on core AI technologies like natural language processing, speech recognition, and computer vision. These foundational capabilities allow us to drive innovation at scale.
Q&A
What was the biggest change in the internet industry or your most impressive experience in the past year?
Shen Xiangyang: The rise of AI has been the most significant trend. It's now a central topic in discussions across industries.
What do you see as the main trends in the internet industry over the next five years?
Shen Xiangyang: We believe mixed reality, AI, and quantum computing will shape the future of technology.
Which aspect of China’s internet industry is most likely to lead the world and become a true tech power?
Shen Xiangyang: China’s "new four inventions" are already leading globally. Mobile payments and O2O consumption are among the best in the world. Technologically, China has made rapid progress in AI. Microsoft aims to deepen collaboration with Chinese industry, academia, and government to promote innovation together.
Written by Beijing News reporter Liu Na
Photographs by Photography/Respondents
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