In 2017, one of the most talked-about topics in the tech world was undoubtedly Artificial Intelligence (AI). It wasn't just a buzzword anymore; AI had stepped out of the lab and into the spotlight, capturing the attention of the public, investors, and industries alike. From driverless cars making appearances at major exhibitions to entering the Xiong’an New District, AI was no longer a futuristic concept—it was becoming a reality.
In the healthcare sector, AI with deep learning and image recognition capabilities was already assisting doctors in identifying lung nodules and even passing national medical exams. This marked a significant shift in how technology could support critical fields like medicine. The government also recognized the importance of AI, as the State Council released the "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" in July, outlining a strategic three-step goal for AI development. Later that year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the "Three-Year Action Plan for the Development of a New Generation of Artificial Intelligence Industry (2018-2020)," setting the stage for a more structured and comprehensive approach to AI growth.
However, just like the mobile internet boom before it, AI became a big feast in 2017, drawing in massive investments and competition. Companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent leveraged their vast data resources to secure key positions in AI applications through acquisitions, investments, and open platforms. They not only captured market shares but also nurtured talent, building strong foundations for future growth.
Despite the excitement, many experts warned that most AI applications were still superficial. China still lagged behind the U.S. in basic research, and concerns about an AI “hurricane rush†began to surface. While AI was enabling new possibilities, the industry needed to move beyond hype and focus on real innovation.
One entrepreneur, Lihao Hao, faced skepticism when he proposed using AI to replace teachers. Investors doubted its feasibility, calling it a child’s dream. But after pivoting his business model to O2O, he eventually gained traction. His company later conducted a "human-computer war" experiment, where an AI robot outperformed human teachers in a math tutoring test, proving the potential of AI in education.
Tencent, too, made waves in the AI space. Its AI medical imaging product, Tencent Yingying, was developed to help detect early signs of diseases like esophageal and lung cancer. Collaborations with hospitals across China further solidified its position in the medical field. By late 2017, Tencent was selected to lead the national AI medical imaging open innovation platform, highlighting its growing influence.
But talent shortages remained a major challenge. Despite the rapid expansion of AI, there was a lack of skilled professionals in areas like deep learning. Experts warned that the demand for AI talent far exceeded supply, creating bottlenecks in development. According to LinkedIn's 2017 report, the U.S. had over 850,000 AI professionals, while China had fewer than 50,000. This gap raised concerns about the sustainability of the AI boom.
Investors also voiced fears of a potential bubble. Some AI startups were being valued highly despite limited progress, leading to worries about overvaluation. Kai-Fu Lee, a well-known AI expert, warned that many AI companies might not survive if they couldn’t deliver real value.
As the AI landscape evolved, industry leaders emphasized the need for practical implementation rather than just theoretical concepts. Hu Xiaoming of Alibaba Cloud urged the industry to focus on industrial AI, not just lab experiments or PowerPoint presentations.
The competition among tech giants like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent intensified, with each vying for dominance in AI-driven sectors such as autonomous vehicles and smart hardware. Baidu acquired Raven Tech, Alibaba invested in AI startups, and Tencent focused on healthcare. These moves reflected a broader strategy to build long-term AI ecosystems.
While the future of AI looks promising, the road ahead will be challenging. As more players enter the space, the race for innovation will only grow fiercer. For now, the AI revolution is just beginning, and the next chapter is yet to unfold.
USB Socket
Function description
The socket is ordinary converter,with
two output 5V2A power USB power supply at the same time,can be very
convenient in use electrical appliances and recharge the equipment at
the same time,such as digital products like Iphone Ipad,MP3,MP4 etc.The
charge apply to full range of international AC output,no-load power
consumption less than 0.3W,with short circuit,overload,over-voltage
protection,can be convenient for your life and save more energy
Timer Control Time Adgustment
1.Press the power switch 1 time,the 1HOUR LED will light on.The Timer into ON mode,USB and control socket output ON .
2.Continuously press the power switch
the LED light on,the Countdown mode and LED light on will cycle change
from 1HR,2HR,4HR,6HR,8HR,10HR.
3.Choose you need countdown time
mode,the mode LED will lighto on,start countdown until countdown time
finish,the control output and USB change to OFF
4.Then the countdown is start,The Time indicate LED will from high to low auto change until Countdown finish off.
Failure analysis:
1.check whether the power supply connection is good
2.check whether the USB cable is loosen
Warning Note:
1.Use indoor and dry location ONLY
2.The load max does not exceed 15A 3600W
3.This product does not convert voltage please do not miss use DO NOT exceed the maximum loading of 3600 Watts 15A
4.Always have earth connection for safety reason
5.If in doubt please consult with a qualified electrician
USB charger socket, USB socket, USB plug, USB plug socket
NINGBO COWELL ELECTRONICS & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD , https://www.cowellsocket.com