Qwen has launched its platform for third-party AI agents and has welcomed KFC, Luckin Coffee, Mixue, and others.
On Wednesday, the Qwen App, backed by Alibaba, announced that it will allow third-party Agents and Skills on its platform, enabling companies to utilize branded AI agents within the app. According to the company, among the initial businesses testing related services are Luckin Coffee, KFC, Mixue, and China Eastern Airlines, with some features set to launch soon.
This initiative represents a shift for Qwen from a general AI assistant to a platform that incorporates third-party services and workflows.
Currently, companies such as China Eastern Airlines, KFC, and Luckin Coffee have introduced specific services through Skills. Users can perform tasks like ordering food or planning trips using natural language. For instance, a user might request Qwen to place an order for a meal for two costing under RMB 60 ($8.8) from the nearest KFC for pickup, with the system finding suitable options and fulfilling the order.
According to Qwen’s roadmap, upcoming Agent-based services will be capable of managing more intricate tasks and personalized interactions. For example, an airline agent could assess a user's travel arrangements and preferences to suggest itineraries, while a restaurant or coffee brand agent could provide timely alerts based on location and expected wait times.
The company also mentioned that Agents would be able to remember user preferences and assist with scenarios like trip management, reminders for membership benefits, and repeat transactions.
The Qwen team stated that the app has dedicated the past six months to integrating various Alibaba ecosystem services, such as mapping, ride-hailing, shopping, and instant retail, thereby gaining significant experience in service-centric interactions. By opening its Agent and Skill framework, the company hopes to attract more businesses to develop AI-powered services on the platform.
As more companies link their services with AI assistants, the concept of using a unified chat interface to gather information and complete tasks is becoming increasingly feasible. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of these agents in actual use and whether they will gain consumer acceptance.
Jessie Wu is a technology reporter based in Shanghai, focusing on consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. You can reach her via email at jessie.wu@technode.com.
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Qwen has launched its platform for third-party AI agents and has welcomed KFC, Luckin Coffee, Mixue, and others.
The Qwen App, supported by Alibaba, declared on Wednesday that it is expanding its platform to include third-party Agents and Skills, enabling businesses to manage branded AI solutions.