Chinese technology giant Baidu recently launched BaiduWiki, an artificial intelligence-driven online encyclopaedia, to target international users and bridge information gaps. This new service is available in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Japanese.
BaiduWiki is an international version of Baidu’s existing Baidu Baike online encyclopaedia. It currently hosts 1 million entries, which were translated across the supported languages using multiple AI agents.
Baidu first launched Baidu Baike in 2008, developing it into one of the largest such services. As of January, Baidu Baike contained more than 30 million entries.
The company also introduced a new global search feature for its Ernie Assistant. This feature provides immediate access to information, including global destinations and scenic spots, for Ernie Assistant’s more than 200 million monthly active users.
Zhang Yi, founder and chief analyst at internet market consultancy iiMedia, called the move strategic. He stated it uses AI and Ernie Assistant to bridge global information gaps by pulling overseas information for local users and vice versa for a global audience.
Yi added that this initiative could help Chinese companies expanding overseas by circumventing the language barrier, a common challenge for local enterprises.
Baidu is also expected to integrate its global search function into other areas, covering technology and academic frontiers, according to a report by state-backed financial outlet Shanghai Securities News.
"The new initiatives could help lay the groundwork for other Baidu services, from AI and AI cloud to advertising, to pursue international growth," Yi said.
Baidu launched BaiduWiki, an AI-driven online encyclopaedia available in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Japanese.
BaiduWiki and the new Ernie Assistant global search feature aim to serve international users and bridge information gaps.
Baidu Baike, the precursor to BaiduWiki, was launched in 2008 and holds over 30 million entries.
Source: SCMP
