Chinese internet search giant, Baidu, is set to release the latest version of its large language model (LLM), Ernie 4, signaling a significant advancement in the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The announcement comes after Beijing granted approvals for AI chatbot services, including Baidu’s ChatGPT-style offerings.
Ernie 4 is touted as one of the best LLMs and has the potential to revolutionize traditional industries and various business scenarios by improving efficiency through AI applications. LLMs are deep-learning algorithms that form the foundation of AI chatbots capable of understanding and generating human-like responses.
In addition to Ernie 4, Baidu Cloud unveiled an upgrade to its model-as-a-service platform, Qianfan, and introduced an ecosystem partners program. The platform now hosts 42 mainstream LLMs from both Chinese and international sources, including models from tech giants like Facebook and Google. Notably absent from the list are open-sourced models created by Baidu’s competitors, such as Alibaba and Tencent-backed startup Baichuan.
Baidu Cloud also pledged support to over 10,000 firms that develop AI applications using the Ernie LLM, offering financial aid, technological assistance, market access, and business opportunities.
With more than 150,000 clients already signed up for Qianfan, Baidu’s AI technology has gained significant traction in sectors like finance, digital government, heavy industries, marketing, education, and transport. The company’s previous versions of Ernie have demonstrated superiority in comprehension and Chinese-language capabilities compared to models like OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.
This latest move by Baidu is expected to intensify competition in China’s cloud service market. Other major tech players, including JD.com and Alibaba, have also embraced AI, launching their own LLMs for industrial and sector-specific applications.
While LLMs hold great promise, analysts predict that it will take time for these companies to realize substantial returns. However, Baidu can leverage generative AI to enhance existing products, improve operational efficiency, and attract new clients, thereby generating additional revenue for its cloud and advertising businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Ernie 4?
Ernie 4 is the latest version of Baidu’s large language model (LLM), a deep-learning algorithm that enables AI chatbots to understand and generate human-like answers.
2. How will Ernie 4 benefit traditional industries?
Ernie 4’s AI applications can significantly enhance efficiency and improve business scenarios across various traditional industries.
3. What other models are hosted on Baidu’s Qianfan platform?
Qianfan currently hosts 42 mainstream LLMs, including models from Facebook, Google, and the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence.
4. How many clients are currently using Qianfan?
More than 150,000 clients have signed up to use Qianfan, with nearly 10,000 actively using the platform to train their own AI models and build applications for various business scenarios.
5. How does Baidu’s AI technology compare to competitors?
Baidu’s previous versions of Ernie have demonstrated superiority in comprehension and Chinese-language capabilities compared to models such as OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.
6. What support does Baidu Cloud provide to firms using Ernie LLM?
Baidu Cloud offers financial and technological support, market access, and business opportunities to more than 10,000 firms that build AI applications based on the Ernie LLM.