Li Auto Aims to Transform into AI Powerhouse, Rivaling Tesla in Robotics
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Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto, a major competitor to Tesla in China, is pivoting towards artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, according to a video message from its founder and CEO, Li Xiang, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
"AI means everything for Li Auto's future," Xiang stated. The company's objective is to establish its foundational AI model as one of China's top three within a few years, competing not only within the automotive industry but also against leading tech companies in other sectors.
Li Auto is preparing to launch a mobile app for its AI assistant, Lixiang Tongxue, powered by its proprietary Mind GPT foundational model. However, Mind GPT is not yet ranked among the top 40 foundational AI models in China, according to the latest SuperClue rankings, which currently favor startups like ZhipuAI, established AI players like SenseTime, and tech giants like Oppo and Alibaba Group Holding.
Li Auto's foray into AI coincides with significant advancements in AI technologies, particularly large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT, and the Chinese government's efforts to foster robotics innovation.
"This is a very ambitious goal," said Prof. David Zhang, director of the Robotics Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, to the South China Morning Post. "It remains to be seen whether Li Auto can successfully leverage its automotive expertise and resources to establish itself as a major player in the AI and robotics space."
The company's strategy reflects a broader trend among Chinese tech companies to capitalize on AI's rapid development and the government's support for robotics innovation, seen as key drivers of economic growth. However, Li Auto faces stiff competition from established AI players and deep-pocketed technology giants.