(Yicai Global) Aug. 1 -- Langding.AI, a startup headed up former Baidu Chief Scientist Andrew Ng, will work with China's largest construction machinery manufacturer Zoomlion to develop agricultural hardware featuring artificial intelligence technology.

The two parties have agreed to a five-year cooperation agreement to work together on transforming Changsha-based unit Zoomlion Heavy Machinery into an AI farming machinery maker, the company said in a statement.

Silicon Valley-based Langding.AI will draw up AI strategies for the agricultural industry on behalf of Zoomlion, as well as deliver products, provide training and build an AI team for the company.

Ng is one of the most authoritative scholars in the fields of AI and machine-learning globally. He ranked among TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2013. He joined search engine giant Baidu as chief scientist in 2014 before leaving in March last year.

China's agricultural machinery market is witnessing an increasing demand for middle and high-end machinery, Zoomlion said. The company plans to apply AI technology to agricultural machines to improve their technical capabilities and enhance efficiency, while reducing costs and optimizing user experience.

Zoomlion will bring in talents in advanced technologies such as AI algorithms, data architecture and big data analysis through the cooperation as part of efforts to build a solid foundation for catering to future development trends.

Editor: William Clegg