Arguably, science and technology are all about creating a better life, greater convenience and a safer environment for people. And that’s what many Chinese startups at a recent tech fair have in mind — to make a significant impact on everyday life. With a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Reconova, a Shenzhen-based startup, is among many new companies eager to change people’s lives through customized technical solutions that showcased their high-end technologies at the China Information Technology Expo (CITE) in this southeastern port city earlier this week. Reconova currently provides a face-recognition solution to shopping malls to, in turn, provide tailored services to customers. “Through our AI analysis system, we are able to analyze information and customer preferences. Based on the database, we can learn what a customer wants, or who they are, through his or her facial expression,” Morgan Guo, the sales director of Reconova, told Yonhap News Agency. The startup said 20,000 shops have adopted its technology.

Guo says his company’s AI tech is not just applicable in shopping malls. Reconova’s tech is also capable of analyzing driver behavior, warning them if they compose text messages or engage in any other activities that may put them in danger while driving. “AI technologies will make people’s everyday lives better. Through complicated algorithms, people can make machines to do basic tasks. But we also can focus on work that is more creative,” Guo said. Guo emphasized that his company is very serious about security concerns, that it does not violate privacy and takes top-notch security measures. Minieye is another technology firm at the trade fair devoted to developing self-driving AI technology with the aim to creating a safe, accident-free driving environment. The company makes a camera for vehicles that can identify lanes, pedestrians, traffic signs and other cars, leading to a safer driving experience. Its inward-facing camera — which works even on people wearing sunglasses — detects facial expressions and helps drivers stay focused on the road.

“In China, there are test-drive areas for autopilot vehicles in Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou,” Vice Manager Zhou Xiang of Minieye said. “As related systems and policies also develop in line with the technology, I believe that we are approaching closer to a society in which self-driving vehicles are everywhere,” Minieye claims that China provides AI ventures with an optimized business environment, as the country boasts a huge population, which provides companies with more of the data needed to develop solutions. Beijing Babel Technology Co., is a startup that dreams of shattering the language barrier with its technology — an AI translator that supports a whopping 53 languages and 73 accents. Sherry Xie, the marketing director of Babel Technology, said the device, the JoneR Translator, embraces different kinds of AI technologies that can comprehend languages and combine audio information. “People talk about the translation service of Google, but I believe that JoneR stands out in terms of better understanding Chinese along with other Asian languages,” Xie said.