The AI research arm of Alibaba created a machine learning model that received a higher score on the Stanford Question Answering Dataset than humans. The database consists of more than 100,000 questions to test reading comprehension.
In early January this year the Alibaba AI software machine scored 82.44 on the test while humans scored 82.304. Besides, computers and AI have already defeated humans, for example in games such as chess. However, it seemed that language skills were superior in humans as machines find languages hard to master.
A large number of call center employees, often in developing countries, may be out of work soon if the AI robots are cheaper and as effective as human labor. Soon when you phone a company for information the conversation will go like this: “ We are sorry but all our robots are busy right now. We value your call. Please stay on the line until a robot is free to serve you. There are just 12 callers ahead of you.” A robot will serve you some popular tunes while you wait.
Si Luo, who is a chief scientist of natural language processing at Alibaba’s AI research group noted that questions such as “What causes rain?” can now be answered with a high degree of accuracy by robots. Si Luo said, “ We believe the foundational technology can be gradually applied to a lot of applications such as customer service, museum tutorials, and online responses to inquiries from patients, freeing human efforts in a new way.”
Si Luo’s team is working closely with Ali Xiaomi, a mobile customer service chatbot. Ali Xiaomi can be customized to be used on Alibaba’s platforms such as Taobao and Tmall. The new AI robots could answer consumers’ questions as they did the Stanford questions. The robots would look for the answers from prepared information. However, there are limits to what the system will be able to do. If questions do not have clear-cut answers, or the questions asked are too unclear or ungrammatical, the robot may not be able to deal with them.
12. What can we learn about the Alibaba AI software machine?
A.It has been tested in some areas. | B.It has become popular since January. |
C.It has offered a special learning style. | D.It has made people interested in reading. |
13. What does the example in paragraph 3 show about the AI robots?
A.They should have better language skills. |
B.They may replace humans in some fields. |
C.They need to be customized to serve customers. |
D.They will be widely used in developing countries. |
14. How does Si Luo feel about the foundational technology?
A.Doubtful. | B.Worried. | C.Curious. | D.Confident. |
15. What can we infer from the last paragraph about Ali Xiaomi?
A.It needs to improve in some ways. | B.It is connected with another system. |
C.It is a platform to show good service. | D.It can answer any questions accordingly. |