Alibaba's AI biometrics system coming to Shanghai subway
Chinese conglomerate Alibaba Group is set to deploy its artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the first time in the country's transport sector. In a joint statement, Alibaba and the Shanghai Shentong Metro Group said users of the Shanghai Metro would be able to purchase tickets and access travel information using Alibaba's far-field voice and facial recognition technology. No launch dates were given, but the move forms part of China's ambitious plan to develop an AI industry worth $150bn.

A Shanghai Metro train. The system operates more than 4,000 trains on 17 lines and has 367 stations in its network. Photo: Zigor Aldama