Ant Group launches AI-powered ‘life assistant’ app

Ant Group has launched a new ‘life assistant’ app – Zhixiaobao, connecting users to a multitude of AI-agents trained for shopping, fitness and language learning.

At the 2024 INCLUSION · Conference on the Bund in Shanghai, Ant Group launched the Zhixiaobao mobile app, an AI life assistant that better connects users with all kinds of 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. Through typing or voice chat 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.” – according to the press release.

„The app also provides a number of built-in AI agents, each with specific domain knowledge that makes them an expert in their own fields. For example, the “English Language Tutor” agent can help users make a learning plan and provide tips for learning the language. The “Fitness Pro” agent can help users design workout routines and come up with personalized training advice.” – the company explained.

„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.

In addition to Zhixiaobao, Ant Group also introduced other AI-powered products and solutions at the INCLUSION Conference.

An AI Agent Development Platform: A comprehensive, one-stop platform enabling merchants to create customized 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-programs 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 personalized 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 personalized responses to customer inquiries in real-time. The platform is designed to support insurers to 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.