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The Brainy Innovator Behind an AI-Powered Virtual Kid

At the Frontiers of General Artificial Intelligence Technology Exhibition, visitors in Beijing interacted with Tong Tong, a virtual toddler developed by the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence. Designed by computer scientist Zhu Songchun, Tong Tong is a breakthrough in "Cognitive artificial intelligence," executing tasks in a virtual environment and independently creating new tasks. Despite skepticism, Tong Tong plays a pivotal role in AGI's future through BIGAI's "Tong Test," addressing practical abilities and values essential for AI integration.

Staff Editor February 4, 2024

The recent Frontiers of General Artificial Intelligence Technology Exhibition in Beijing showcased Tong Tong, a virtual toddler created by the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence (BIGAI). This institute is dedicated to developing human-level AI, and Tong Tong is the brainchild of Zhu Songchun, a computer scientist specializing in cognitive artificial intelligence.

Tong Tong’s uniqueness lies in her ability to not only execute tasks in a virtual environment but also independently create new tasks for herself. According to a Chinese-language video from BIGAI, Tong Tong is designed to possess a mind and strive to understand common sense taught by humans. This innovation marks a significant leap forward in the development of artificial intelligence avatars.

BIGAI’s “Tong Test” represents Tong Tong’s future role in the advancement of artificial general intelligence (AGI). According to Zhu Songchun, the Tong Test aims to assess an AGI’s practical abilities and values, emphasizing the integration of AGI into complex human environments. This forward-thinking approach underlines the institute’s commitment to creating AGI that can navigate and execute tasks in intricate settings, driven by values and an understanding of causality.

While the concept of AGI may raise eyebrows in some parts of the world, it is an integral part of Zhu Songchun’s efforts to develop AGI. Despite leaving the US to escape xenophobia, Zhu’s dedication to AGI remains unwavering. At the Beijing conference, Zhu expressed his optimism about Tong Tong’s data contributing to bringing the world closer to the goal of AGI, a prospect that may be daunting to some.

The creation of Tong Tong and the development of the Tong Test symbolize a significant step forward in the evolution of AI technology. As we witness the ongoing progress in the field of artificial intelligence, it becomes increasingly evident that we are on the brink of a new era in technological innovation. Tong Tong and the work of BIGAI serve as a testament to human ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what was once considered mere science fiction.