TIANJIN -- A new generation of artificial intelligence (AI) was discussed at the World Intelligence Congress which opened Thursday in North China's Tianjin municipality.

The inaugural congress includes 16 forums and a 6,000-square-meter exhibition area displaying high-tech achievements in AI technology.

A series of cooperation agreements will be inked at the expo, including one between the Tianjin municipal government and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, which will map out a development strategy for a new generation of AI technology.

Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said that the new generation of AI technology will have a "significant effect" on society, and will become a driving force behind a new industrial revolution.

The municipal government will also sign an agreement with Alibaba's financial affiliate Ant Financial to push forward the building of a "cash-free city" in Tianjin, where electronic payments will be used in areas such as transportation, medical care, education, and social security.