Artificial intelligence has gained relevance in multiple industries, and ByteDance, parent of TikTok, is evaluating its foray into this field with an innovative approach. According to close sources cited by Reuters, the Chinese company is considering developinga large-scale AI model using Huawei chips, due to trade restrictions imposed by the United States, which limit its access to advanced technology from other nations.
AI-driven development and local technology
ByteDance already uses Huawei's Ascend 910B processors to perform inference tasks, which are less computationally intensive operations and allow AI to make predictions based on pre-trained models. However, to train more advanced AI models, a higher level of processing is required, which is generally achieved with high-performance chips such as those made by Nvidia. In this regard, the collaboration with Huawei is presented as a strategy to minimize dependence on foreign components, especially from the U.S. According to sources, ByteDance would have ordered more than 100,000 Ascend 910B chips from Huawei this year, but has only received less than 30,000 units to date, underscoring the difficulties in the supply chain for these components.
Denials and future expectations
Despite the reports, Michael Hughes, spokesman for ByteDance, has denied that the company is working on a new artificial intelligence model, downplaying the credibility of claims of imminent development. On the other hand, Huawei has opted not to comment on the issue, maintaining silence on its possible involvement in this project. ByteDance's decision to consider local processors such as Huawei's highlights the impact of trade tensions on the global technology industry. The growing interest in AI, driven by companies such as ByteDance, demonstrates how Chinese companies are looking for alternatives to continue competing in the field of artificial intelligence, despite international barriers.
