(Yicai Global) Sept. 18 -- Landing AI, a startup founded by Andrew Ng, was built to help great companies effectively use artificial intelligence, according to the renowned computer scientist.

The California-based firm is focused on communicating with chief executives and helping transform their companies into AI-based ones, Ng told Yicai Global at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai yesterday. Landing's first target will be the manufacturing industry, he added.

Landing, which was founded last December, has already partnered up with Foxconn Technology Group, the world's largest contract electronics maker best known for its work with Apple, and Chinese construction equipment manufacturer Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology.

Many companies, apart from leading tech firms like Google and Baidu, will not easily adopt AI, Ng said, adding that just bringing machine learning into a traditional enterprise does not make it an AI company.

Ng's Advice

These companies' chief executives often ask how they will hire AI talent, how to choose what projects to take on and how to align AI with their existing strategy, he continued.

His best advice to them is to use external resources to train internal AI teams and then merge the staff with other departments to nurture new talent. They should also select standout projects to incorporate AI as it will have a bigger impact upon completion.

When faced with company-specific problems, the firms should look to build their own AI solutions, Ng said, adding that for generic industry issues a third-party solution is usually best.

Editor: James Boynton