Watch: World’s first English-speaking artificial intelligence anchor makes debut in China

My voice and appearance are modelled on Zhang Zhao, a real anchor with Xinhua, said the AI robot.

China has unveiled world’s first artificial intelligence news anchor. The anchor was introduced by China’s Xinhua news agency at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen on Wednesday. The artificial intelligence anchor has been jointly developed by Xinhua and Chinese search engine company Sogou.

The English-speaking AI anchor introduced himself as he read out a script before camera. The robot has been modelled on Zhang Zhao, a real anchor with Xinhua.

“Hello everyone, I am an English Artificial Intelligence anchor. This is my very first day in Xinhua News agency. My voice and appearance are modelled on Zhang Zhao, a real anchor with Xinhua,” said the robot as he introduced himself.

Xinhua's first English #AI anchor makes debut at the World Internet Conference that opens in Wuzhen, China Wednesday pic.twitter.com/HOkWnnfHdW — China Xinhua News (@XHNews) November 7, 2018

“The development of the media industry calls for continuous innovation and deep integration with the international advanced technologies. I will work tirelessly to keep you informed as texts will be typed into my system uninterrupted”.

The anchor went on to say, “I look forward to bringing you the brand new news experiences.”

Xinhua said that the anchor was developed by simulating the voice, mannerism and facial expressions of real anchor so that it did not appear like a robot.