Baidu Plans Future In AI And Autonomous Driving

  • Alphabet Inc's GOOG GOOGL Google counterpart Baidu Inc BIDU launched its second-generation artificial intelligence chip, its first robocar, and a rebranded driverless taxi app at the annual Baidu World Conference, CNBC reports.
  • Baidu's AI and the autonomous driving move seems well-timed to tap the gradual pandemic recovery despite the intense Chinese regulatory crackdown on the tech companies. Its robotaxis already have a presence in China.
  • Reuters reports that Baidu announced the mass production of its second-generation 7 nm AI chip Kunlun 2, which even supports autonomous driving. The move marks China's self-dependence in chip production, proving a dampener for chipmakers like  Qualcomm Inc QCOM and  NVIDIA Corp NVDA.
  • Baidu's robocar with auto-pilot functionality includes L5 level of autonomous driving functionality rendering it safer than human drivers, Global Times reports. Interestingly, Tesla Inc's TSLA autopilot is already subject to a U.S. regulatory probe.
  • The robocar's doors open up like wings and a big screen inside for entertainment. 
  • It can assist passengers in arranging their schedules and booking hotel and flight tickets. 
  • The robocar has voice control and face recognition capability to analyze passenger needs. It can improve itself in different driving scenarios.
  • Baidu also announced four new pieces of hardware, including a smart screen and a TV equipped with the company's AI voice assistant Xiaodu.
  • Baidu recently disclosed its plans to raise debt for an undisclosed amount.
  • Price Action: BIDU shares traded higher by 1.41% at $144.39 in the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.
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