Chapter 84 (1/2)
Chapter 84: Turing II
The host clapped his hands and the audience calmed down .
”We'll let the next judge speak before I go on to talk about Turing's basic parameters . Then, the voting will begin and you can cast your vote for the best AI,” he declared .
A lady took over the mic and started, ”I'm from Sina Weibo and I would like to ask when can such a successful invention be ma.s.s-produced? And how long before we see it again?”
The host answered, ”For now, we only plan to reproduce 10 of this and auction it to enterprises from all over the world for exhibition purposes . Soon enough, hopefully, when we undergo breakthroughs in terms of material and construction costs, we will start reproducing more and also meet up with large-scale customers . This one right here will be placed at our reception desk for all to admire . Only 500 people would get to talk to it each day . ”
The tension continued to build up as he moved on to introduce the functions and parameters of Turing .
Next was the voting session and Turing became the champion with 17 out of a total of 20 votes .
The conference ended .
The director of Geaige tapped the man next to him . ”How much have our stocks risen, Accountant?”
The accountant looked at the numbers on his monitor, saying, ”Our stocks in America, under no limitation, have flipped 63 folds . ”
”But it's just a conceptual product . How did it produce such results?” the director asked in shock .
”No, this is a whole new domain,” the accountant said with a victorious smile .
”But you know that we're unable to ma.s.s-produce it,” the director said, sighing .
An hour after the conference, the topic of AI flooded the news media and headlines .
Good or bad, all relevant articles practically overtook all other trending topics and pages .
Inside a small workshop .
Two individuals sat on the sofa, watching as the television broadcast the conference .
”Isn't this Geaige company in our city? How amazing is this stuff?”
”Probably just another tool to answer questions . Programming these things usually consume a lot of time . I'm sure it's nothing substantial and they're merely exaggerating their speech . It's not a big deal . ”
”I think you're feeling sour, aye, as a member of one of the world's finest hacking group? I'm sorry that you're here with me, committing these petty crimes . ”
”What do you mean by that? Give me a year and 20 hackers like me can create an AI robot, too . One that's even better than Turing . What's so difficult about that?”
”Just admit it, Dahai . You find it amazing but hard to believe . ”
”I chose to follow you years ago, Luqiao . Why are you doing this to me? Making me regret my choice?”
”Dahai . . . Brother Hai, how much do you think we can sell it for if we get our hands on it?” I asked .
”Wait . . . you're thinking of . . . ?”
”Just tell me how much . A rough figure . ”
”Maybe 200 million to start with for the first generation . Plus, they're currently putting it in their company for publicity . They're probably waiting for other major companies to contact them . I think there would be collectors who are willing to pay a high price for it . ”
”Run a check on that company and we'll make a move in three days,” I said mischievously .
Dahai stared at me in disbelief .
”Why? Are you not interested?” I asked .
”What's wrong with just stealing some famous paintings or antiques? Why would you set your eyes on this AI?” he asked .
”Hasn't this always been a regret of yours? Even if we can't sell it, it will look good as a home decor . ”
”What's the plan then?” Dahai questioned .
”Reception desk, a half-man tall machine, a remodeled van, you and me . Should be easy,” I stated .
”Wait for my news then,” Dahai said before walking over to a side .
I finished my beer and shut the television off .
A day later, Geaige placed Turing 1 . 0 into its main lounge and people flooded in daily to have a look .
Everyone wanted to witness the charm of AI, but only 500 were allowed inside each day . Two minutes per person .
After successfully hacking into the system list, Dahai managed to get us in quickly to experience it for ourselves . This AI robot was indeed impressive .
Despite the possibility that all have been scripted at the conference, even Dahai was in awe .
The way Turing answered questions was definitely of a whole new level .
That night, at two in the morning, I drove the van to Geaige company with Dahai and parked somewhere not far away .
”Two security guards, one's fast asleep . The other's just got up to make his rounds,” Dahai informed me .
”Then we'll get to work in 10 minutes' time,” I instructed .
”We weren't allowed to touch it earlier so I have no idea how heavy it is . I prepared some things here so that shouldn't be a problem . There are no alarms or whatsoever, I've checked,” Dahai continued .
”Have you found a buyer?”
”No . It's an empty market . The collectors don't seem interested, but I believe that once news of the theft spread, people will start taking an interest . It will be easier then,” Dahai answered .
”Let's just hope that we fetch a good price . Let's go,” I said before stepping on the accelerator and pulling up the gear lever .
The van's suspension system started to stretch and the whole van was raised two meters above ground .
It crossed Geaige's perimeter wall easily before descending into the company grounds .
”Have you settled the surveillance cameras?” I asked .
”I destroyed the hard disk, don't worry,” Dahai rea.s.sured me .