Tencent’s AI Lab Takes a Major Leap Forward
On March 15, 2018, insiders broke the news that Dr. Zhang Zhengyou, a renowned expert in computer vision and multimedia technology, is leaving Microsoft Research (MSR) after 20 years to join Tencent’s newly established Robotics Laboratory Robotics X. Dr. Zhang, a fellow of both the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), is widely recognized as a world leader in his field.
A New Era for AI Research
At the “Tencent AI Lab Second Academic Forum,” Vice President Yao Xing announced three strategic directions for the AI Lab: Explore Universal Artificial Intelligence, Build a Bridge between the Virtual World and the Real World, and Focus on AI + Healthcare. The establishment of Robotics Laboratory Robotics X is a significant milestone in Tencent’s AI research efforts, with the lab being given an important strategic position, equal to that of the Tencent AI Lab.
A Pioneer in Computer Vision and Multimedia Technology
Dr. Zhang Zhengyou has made pioneering contributions to various aspects of computer vision and multimedia technology, including stereo vision, 3D reconstruction, motion analysis, image registration, self-calibration, and more. His plate camera calibration method, commonly employed in the industry, is known as “Method Zhang.” He has also developed video echo cancellation technology to solve problems inherent in camera-based remote interaction systems and presided over the development of multi-sensor audio enhancement technology, significantly improving audio quality and speech recognition rates.
Tencent’s AI Lab: A New Era of Interdisciplinary Research
The establishment of Robotics Laboratory Robotics X and the strategic cooperation with Nature Research mark a new era of interdisciplinary research at Tencent’s AI Lab. The lab will focus on the connection between the virtual world and the real world, with a strong emphasis on AI + Healthcare. The collaboration with Nature Research will promote progress and research integration in the field of AI, with a focus on medical applications.
Key Highlights
- The establishment of Robotics Laboratory Robotics X, a newly formed laboratory at Tencent, with Dr. Zhang Zhengyou as its leader.
- The strategic cooperation between Tencent’s AI Lab and Nature Research to promote interdisciplinary research in AI and healthcare.
- The focus on three strategic directions: Explore Universal Artificial Intelligence, Build a Bridge between the Virtual World and the Real World, and Focus on AI + Healthcare.
- The appointment of top scientists to lead the laboratory and drive future research and development.
A Bright Future Ahead
Tencent’s AI Lab is poised to make significant strides in the field of AI research, with the establishment of Robotics Laboratory Robotics X and the strategic cooperation with Nature Research. The lab’s focus on AI + Healthcare and its emphasis on interdisciplinary research will drive innovation and progress in the field. With Dr. Zhang Zhengyou at the helm, the lab is sure to make a significant impact in the years to come.