Our AI LLMs are self-developed and fully trained on Huawei platform: iFlytek

iFlytek unveiled its Xinghou 4 model and while describing its features, the firm said that its AI LLMs are self-developed and trained on the Huawei computing platform. The company highlighted the self-sufficiency of China amid U.S. export controls.

The President of iFlytek – Liu Qingfeng says that most of the Chinese LLMs equip some or the other foreign components. The major parts include GPU from Nvidia.

Although iFlytek AI LLMs rely on the ‘China-made computing platform, jointly developed by Huawei. This is why, these large language models are controllable.

Even the new Xinghuo 4 model training is indirectly based on Huawei’s Ascend computing solutions. The Ascend platform seems more powerful and capable than Nvidia. Huawei also showed the testing results to prove Ascend’s potential.

Liu further states that iFlytek intends to train its large AI models on self-developed and more controllable infrastructure. This ultimately makes the region (China) self-sufficient at times when the U.S. restricts advanced chip and chipmaking tools supply.

He adds that the Chinese firms’ growth in the AI field depends on how long they can run on their self-developed technologies or the already-stocked tech equipment.

“How far we can go hinges on whether we have self-developed, controllable foundational capabilities to support AI development.” – says Liu Qingfeng.

iFlytek AI LLMs are self-developed and fully trained on the Huawei platform (Image Credits: Weibo)

Liu cites that the U.S. had put a barricade on advanced technologies as well as major equipment such as Nvidia GPU that help boost AI development. Yet the benefit of this restriction is that it forced China to make its own products and high-end tools.

A few analysts say that Huawei Ascend is one of the best solutions in the current AI scenarios. It is also receiving huge support from the native region. Many companies have reserved their respective chips for various projects and operations.

Li Yangwei – the technical advisor at Intelligent Computing noted that even though the Huawei Ascend platform is quite effective, it lacks major hardware. For instance, the Nvidia Cuba platform has a better developer community compared to Huawei.

“The chance for Huawei to catch up with Nvidia is minimal if it doesn’t solve the issue.”

It would be worth seeing how Huawei will resolve these issues in the time ahead.

(Source – SCMP)