Baidu CEO: AI's large-scale models create new jobs, drive progress

Robin Li, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Baidu Inc, addresses the Summit on Innovation and Development of the 7th World Intelligence Congress in Tianjin, on May 18, 2023. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Robin Li, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Baidu Inc, said that the large-scale models will not reduce employment opportunities but create more new jobs.

The greatest danger for humanity is not in the uncertainty brought about by innovation, but rather in the risks associated with stagnation, lack of invention and absence of progress, he added.

Li explained the emergence of large-scale models in AI is attributed to increased computing power, large models and big data.

AI has gained more attention in the past six months due to the emergence of generative AI, powered by large-scale models. This has led to the emergence of intelligence, where machines can acquire skills without the need for pre-programming or explicit guidance.

He also highlighted a shift from discriminative AI to generative AI. The applications of the former one include facial recognition and search engines. While, the generative AI, which can be applied in multiple scenarios such as writing an application letter or creating a menu for a dinner party, has significantly increased human work efficiency in areas such as content creation, customer service and translation.