Baidu showcases self-driving bus, 'smart' walkways at Beijing's AI park

Nov. 12 (UPI) -- China's largest search engine is making artificial intelligence more accessible to the public and its new AI-themed park in the Haidian district of Beijing showcases the latest technology, according to an in-depth South Korean press report.

MoneyToday reported Monday smart walkways, self-driving buses and exhibition halls showcasing the latest technology are open to all. Baidu's conversational AI platform Duer OS is also on site.

The smart walkway can be used to measure an individual's performance, including distance covered and calories burned, after the user registers height, age, weight and uploads a profile photo to the system. The data is collected after an on-site camera identifies then tracks the user with facial recognition software to keep track of exercise results. The data is saved and cumulative results are available, according to the report.

Baidu, often dubbed the Google of China, is also operating a self-driving "bus" in the park's premises, developed in collaboration with Intel and a Chinese bus manufacturer.

The autonomous bus is a Level 4 vehicle, or "fully autonomous" -- designed to perform all safety-critical driving functions and monitor roadway conditions for an entire trip.

Although the L4 vehicle does not cover every driving scenario, MoneyToday reports the bus was programmed to move slightly out the way when a pedestrian appeared to be approaching the bus from the opposite side of the road.

The vehicle can carry about seven passengers and drive at a speed of about 6 mph. Inside the bus, a screen or monitor shows the route.

Interactive robots showcased at the park can entertain people and play games of "stone, paper, scissors," or hold simple conversations.

The Global Times reported "augmented reality tai chi lessons" are also available at the Baidu park.

Beijing and Shanghai are the program's first pilot cities, according to the report.