Alibaba Cloud founder Wang Jian delivered a keynote speech titled “Computing and Endless Exploration (literal translation of “計算和無盡的探索”)”, saying that AI usage should not be confined to computers and smartphones, and that now is the time to explore applying AI in space, reported The Paper.

Wang revealed that Zhejiang Lab will complete the deployment of a constellation of over 50 computing satellites this year and aims to scale up the deployment to approximately 100 computing satellites by 2027.

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Computing power is one of the biggest barriers to enter the AI field, with most developers accessing computing infrastructure through cloud computing, Wang highlighted, while noting that this constraint will remain an immense block to building a more globally inclusive AI innovation ecosystem in the foreseeable future.

He stressed that AI must not be missed out in space research just because of a lack of computing power. Wang underscored that AI should not be limited to computers or smartphones, and now is an opportune moment to consider its applications in space.