Robots in global digitisation

Huawei hosts Innovation Day to discuss AI strategies and upcoming opportunities Huawei hosts Innovation Day to discuss AI strategies and upcoming opportunities

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Published: Mon 22 Oct 2018, 3:09 PM

Last updated: Mon 22 Oct 2018, 5:13 PM

Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, recently held an Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference at their third annual Innovation Day on the sidelines of GITEX 2018. The event attracted industry experts and government leaders, including the guest of honour and keynote speaker, Mothanna Hamdan Gharaibeh, Jordan Minister of ICT, to strategise on the best path forward to bringing AI to the Middle East. 
The development of a national AI strategy must become a priority, as AI is a central aspect of national development plans and visions in the region to become diversified, knowledge-based economies.
As AI becomes more advanced, it is becoming an all-purpose technology that will drive the development of all industries, creating new venues of innovation and growth.  
Gharaibeh said: "Investing in AI is an investment in the future. AI has the potential to solve many intractable challenges we are facing across industries today, by transforming the way we approach problems, and completing tasks more effectively and efficiently than humans can. It will also free people from spending labour on tedious and repetitive tasks, allowing us to use our minds to engage in high-level activities."
Anwaar Al Shimmari, Chief Innovation Officer, UAE Ministry of Infrastructure Development, UAE, gave a keynote speech about the benefits of AI in meeting global infrastructure demands and the ability of robots to deliver information faster, reduce costs and risks. She said: "Robots will use building facility management and asset management concepts to monitor and control infrastructure assets."
The Middle East is one of the first regions worldwide to import Huawei's recently-unveiled revolutionary AI products and solutions. The AI conference was held just a week after Huawei Rotating Chairman Eric Xu announced the global launch of Huawei's AI strategy, as well as its full-stack, all-scenario AI portfolio.
Huawei's AI portfolio includes its new Ascend series of AI chips - the world's first AI IP and chip series designed for a full range of scenarios. The portfolio also includes new products and cloud services that are built on Ascend chip capabilities. With its full-stack AI portfolio, Huawei aims to provide pervasive intelligence to help drive industry development and build a fully connected, intelligent world.
Driving the AI strategy
Huawei predicts that by 2025, the world will see upwards of 40 billion personal smart devices, and 90 per cent of device users will have a smart digital assistant.
Data utilisation will reach 86 per cent and AI services will be readily available, as prevalent as the air we breathe. According to Huawei, AI has become a new general purpose technology and will change all industries and organisations on earth.
Proactive change is the first step towards a better future in AI. Huawei has defined 10 changes that will help pave the way: 
1. Faster model training
2. Abundant and affordable computing power
3. AI deployment and user privacy
4. New algorithms
5. AI automation
6. Practical application
7. Real-time, closed-loop system
8. Multi-tech synergy
9. Platform support
10. Talent availability 
These 10 changes are not only Huawei's hope for the AI industry; they are the inspiration behind its AI strategy.
Huawei's AI strategy has five areas of focus:
1. Invest in AI research
2. Build a full-stack AI portfolio
3. Develop an open ecosystem and talent
4. Strengthen existing portfolio 
5. Drive operational efficiency 
Alaa ElShimy, Managing Director and Vice President of Huawei Enterprise Business Group, said: "AI is on the verge of transforming industries and organisations across the world, and we are committed to helping our customers and partners make the most of the technology's potential to unlock innovation and economic growth. Right now the priority is for industry and government leaders to discuss which challenges and opportunities AI can most immediately address, to convert this cutting-edge technology into profitability for organisations. This AI conference will help us, and regional governments, succeed in our mission to position the Middle East for success in the age of AI."


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