Rest of World · Technologie

Dumpling Shop Embraces AI as a Sign of Progress in China

A Beijing dumpling shop, Jinguyuan, has gained attention for developing an AI "skill" that allows customers to interact with their personal AI agents to view menus, get recommendations, or join the queue. The owner, Li Bo, sees AI adoption as a crucial step forward, echoing China's historical embrace of technological advancement.

The AI skill enables users to interact with their AI agents to perform tasks related to the dumpling shop. Li Bo, the owner, created this skill in April, inspired by the growing popularity of agentic AI tools and his belief in AI's role in future daily life, including dining choices.

Li quoted Deng Xiaoping, emphasizing that "Science and technology are a primary productive force," and the need to adopt advanced technologies. This contrasts with some Western perspectives where AI is often linked to job losses and ethical concerns, and where AI usage by small businesses is less openly advertised.

While concerns about AI's impact on jobs and industry practices exist in China, there is also widespread eagerness to adopt AI as an inevitable progression. Online courses on AI are popular, and professionals are actively experimenting with AI tools to remain competitive. A survey indicated the Chinese population has the highest excitement level about AI among surveyed countries.

Li, who studied telecommunications engineering, chose an entrepreneurial path after graduation, eventually opening Jinguyuan. AI has re-energized his interest in technology. Beyond the AI skill, he has also created a website to track queue status and partnered with an AI cloud provider to offer customer discounts on AI subscriptions.

Li acknowledges that the AI skill currently generates more media attention than direct usage but is proud to be a pioneer in AI adoption. He believes that even imperfect early adoption is necessary for progress, comparing it to the eventual triumph of cars over steam engines.

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