A virtual host developed by Hefei-based speech tech firm iFlytek broadcasts news during the annual two sessions in Beijing. [Photo from WeChat account hefeigaoxinfabu]

China Speech Valley has created a virtual news host by using artificial intelligence technology for the annual two sessions in Beijing.

The female host is able to broadcast in multiple languages, such as Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean.

It is a new product of iFlytek, a speech tech firm based in China Speech Valley, a scientific and technological hub in the National High-tech Industry Development Zone in Hefei, Anhui province.

Through speech synthesis and image processing technology, the company has been able to make the host sound and look like a true newscaster.

Researchers of the company also developed an AI robot reporter to have an interview with deputies who have presented at the two sessions.

Liu Qingfeng, chairman of iFlytek and also a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress, said as a new concept to buoy the country's technological development, AI is of great value, and more efforts are needed to boost AI's permeation into more industries.