Economic Times Tech
6/16/2026
Alibaba unveils AI models for robots, amid shift from chatbots to agents
Short summary
Alibaba unveiled its first AI model suite for robotics, signaling a major shift in China's tech industry away from chatbots toward agents that can autonomously execute complex tasks. Agents represent a more lucrative business opportunity, enabling machines to perform sophisticated operations. This trend reflects growing recognition that agentic AI systems will drive more substantial value than standalone chatbots.
- •Alibaba released first AI models specifically for robots
- •China's tech industry shifting from chatbots to agents
- •Agents are seen as more profitable and capable than chatbots
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