Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:BABA) is ramping up its artificial intelligence push by launching new AI tools for businesses and consumers while reorganizing internal teams to speed up development and commercialization.
Alibaba Prepares Enterprise AI Agent Based On Qwen
Alibaba is preparing to launch a new agentic AI service designed for enterprise customers, betting on growing demand for AI assistants that can perform real-world tasks.
The company could announce the product as soon as this week, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The tool will run on Alibaba's flagship Qwen model and will target businesses.
The company plans to gradually integrate the service with its internal platforms, including Taobao and Alipay.
Developers from Alibaba's DingTalk team built the AI agent, designed to help companies manage computers, web browsers, and cloud servers, while incorporating safeguards to protect data security.
Alibaba Reorganizes AI Teams Under New Division
Alibaba is also restructuring its AI operations by creating a new unit, the Alibaba Token Hub, to consolidate several of the company's AI initiatives.
The division will combine the Qwen research team, consumer AI app development, DingTalk, and Quark-branded devices under one organization, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing an internal memo from CEO Eddie Wu.
Wu said in the memo, "I will lead ATH directly, with a mandate to drive strategic coordination across our AI businesses, embed AI deeply into how we work, and preserve the agility that lets us move fast."
The overhaul aims to improve coordination between research, product development, and design teams while strengthening Alibaba's ability to generate revenue from AI services.
Consumer AI Push Intensifies Competition In China
Alibaba is also expanding its consumer AI strategy with the launch of "JVS Claw," a mobile app that helps users set up and use the OpenClaw AI assistant.
The app allows iPhone and Android users to assign simple real-world tasks to AI agents without coding knowledge and offers the service free for the first 14 days.
The launch places Alibaba in growing competition with Chinese tech companies such as Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:BIDU), Tencent Holdings Ltd (OTC:TCEHY), and MiniMax, which are also deploying OpenClaw services.
OpenClaw has gained significant attention across China as users experiment with the technology.
Alibaba's latest moves come as the company faces questions about its AI strategy following the recent departure of a key Qwen developer.
CEO Eddie Wu has previously pledged more than $53 billion in AI investment as the company works to position artificial intelligence as a major driver of future growth.
BABA Price Action: Alibaba shares were up 2.98% at $139.23 during premarket trading on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Image via Shutterstock
Login to comment