Ant Group launches AI-powered ‘life assistant’ app Zhixiaobao

At the 2024 Inclusion Conference in Shanghai, Jack Ma-backed Ant Group Co. launched the Zhixiaobao mobile app, an AI life assistant that better connects users with various life services on the company’s digital life platform Alipay. The app is available for download from iOS and Android app stores.

As an AI-native application powered by Ant Group’s BaiLing foundation model, Zhixiaobao is designed to make everyday tasks easier through user-friendly interactions. By typing or voice chatting in Zhixiaobao, users can order meals, hail taxis, book tickets, and discover local dining and entertainment options, accessing third-party services in Alipay more easily.

The app also provides several built-in AI agents, each with specific domain knowledge that makes them experts in their respective fields. For example, the “English Language Tutor” agent can help users create a learning plan and provide tips for improving their language skills. The “Fitness Pro” agent can help users design workout routines and offer personalised training advice.

“The evolution of AI extends beyond mere technological progress, it’s about applying these advancements to practical, user-focused solutions. Alipay is committed to harnessing AI’s potential to improve the user experience, ensuring that AI assistants like Zhixiaobao become valuable tools in everyday life for all,” said Cyril Han, President of Ant Group.

To use Zhixiaobao’s services, users can either download the dedicated mobile app, or simply pull down the home page of the Alipay app.

Expanding AI capabilities

In addition to Zhixiaobao, Ant Group also introduced other AI-powered products and solutions at the Inclusion Conference, including:

• AI Agent Development Platform: A comprehensive, one-stop platform enabling merchants to create customised AI service agents, which can be deployed in just one minute without the need for coding. These agents can be effortlessly integrated into the Alipay mini-programmes operated by merchants, the Alipay app, and the Zhixiaobao app.
• AI Healthcare Manager: An AI-powered platform that connects users to over 30 health services, including doctor recommendations, medical test result interpretation, in-hospital navigation, and personalised medical advice. The AI Healthcare Manager is supported by over 20 service providers, including Renji Hospital in Shanghai.
• Ant Bridge: An open platform that leverages advanced technologies, including AI models and financial intelligence, to assist insurance companies in providing personalised responses to customer enquiries in real-time. The platform is designed to help insurers enhance their service quality while boosting operational efficiency.

Ant Group unveiled its BaiLing foundation model in 2023. Over the past two years, Ant Group has accelerated the application of AI technologies in the Alipay app, serving hundreds of millions of users across various life service use cases, including travel, healthcare, and financial management.

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