The World Artificial Intelligence Conference showcasing cutting-edge AI-related technology is taking place in Shanghai, China.

The four-day forum runs through July 7, with more than 500 companies from China and abroad taking part.

China's major online search engine Baidu put on display a generative AI system that creates images in about 10 seconds when a user inputs some keywords.

Watanabe Masayo, NNN Reporter / I typed in 'China's most famous leader.' The keywords are apparently sensitive, so the system cannot come up with images.

AI technology in China is being developed amid restrictions that prevent generative output that criticizes or poses threats against the government.

Also on exhibit are AI-powered robots including one that walks stably on two legs and one that avoids obstacles as it moves.

China has positioned AI as a fundamental and strategic technology that spearheads scientific revolutions.

The country aims to strengthen domestic competitiveness in AI development in the hopes of leading international rulemaking in the field.