In today's era of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technology, cross-disciplinary collaboration has become a key driver of industrial innovation. On March 3, coinciding with the 26th National Ear Care Day, the School of Computer Science and Technology at East China Normal University and Boin Hearing announced the establishment of the "Joint Laboratory for AI Audio Interaction and Auditory Cognition." This collaboration marks a significant step for both parties in the field of hearing health and injects new vitality into the innovative application of AI technology.
The signing ceremony was held at East China Normal University's Putuo Campus. Attendees included Zhang Guixu, Dean of the Faculty of Information Science and Director of the School of Computer Science and Technology; Yu Jia, Party Secretary of the School of Computer Science and Technology; He Liang and Xu Fei, Vice Deans of the School of Computer Science and Technology; as well as Jiang Xianquan, Chairman and CEO of Boin Hearing; Xia Qingwei, Chief Operating Officer; and Vice Presidents Zhang Jianjun, Mao Jierong, and Zhang Zhili. This collaboration not only signifies the beginning of resource sharing between the two parties but also represents a new chapter in the deep integration of industry, academia, research, and application.
East China Normal University boasts a strong academic foundation and extensive experience in industry-academia-research collaboration in disciplines such as computer science, acoustics, and artificial intelligence. Over the years, the university has nurtured a large number of outstanding professionals who play important roles in their respective fields. With advanced research equipment and a comprehensive research environment, East China Normal University provides a solid foundation for cutting-edge research.
Boin Hearing specializes in the research and development of hearing technology, product manufacturing, and comprehensive hearing service solutions. With years of technical expertise, the company has achieved remarkable success in areas such as audio processing and hearing aid design. Its R&D team continuously innovates to enhance product performance and user experience, earning the trust of numerous hearing-impaired users. The collaboration with East China Normal University will further expand the boundaries of hearing technology and drive industry progress through the integration of AI.
The establishment of this joint laboratory holds profound significance for both parties and will open a new chapter of technological innovation in China's hearing health sector. By integrating the theoretical strengths of academia with the practical capabilities of enterprises, the deep integration model of "industry-academia-research-application" will bring immeasurable impacts to academic research, technological innovation, and social development.
It is understood that the collaboration between East China Normal University and Boin Hearing will focus on AI audio interaction and auditory cognition, with investments in human, material, and financial resources to jointly explore cutting-edge technologies. With the continuous development of AI technology, audio interaction methods are transforming human-computer interaction models, demonstrating immense potential for growth.
Dean Zhang Guixu stated, "The establishment of the Joint Laboratory for AI Audio Interaction and Auditory Cognition between the School of Computer Science and Technology at East China Normal University and Boin Hearing is a collaboration full of opportunities and challenges. By leveraging their respective strengths, both parties will jointly explore and innovate within this laboratory. This collaboration will not only bring new development opportunities to both sides but also make significant contributions to advancing the field of AI audio interaction and auditory cognition, improving the quality of life for the hearing-impaired, and promoting social progress in science and technology."
Jiang Xianquan, Chairman and CEO of Boin Hearing, also expressed confidence in the future collaboration: "Through our in-depth collaboration with East China Normal University, our R&D team will have the opportunity to engage with top scholars, broadening our technical perspectives. For instance, in the field of audio signal processing, we can jointly develop more efficient algorithms to enhance sound quality. In the area of auditory rehabilitation, we will explore personalized solutions to provide users with a better experience. We look forward to the joint laboratory becoming a cradle for technological innovation and ushering in a new era."
Additionally, the joint laboratory will serve as a unique platform for talent cultivation. East China Normal University will offer customized training programs based on project requirements, encouraging students to hone their research and innovation skills through practical experience. Meanwhile, Boin Hearing can attract outstanding graduates through this platform, infusing fresh talent into the enterprise. This industry-academia-research talent cultivation model will supply society with more interdisciplinary professionals who meet the demands of the new era.
The joint laboratory is also expected to achieve breakthroughs in key technologies. Both parties will integrate their technical strengths to focus on core issues in AI audio interaction and auditory cognition. Through collaborative efforts, they aim to overcome technical bottlenecks, thereby driving technological upgrades across the industry. This will not only enhance Boin Hearing's market competitiveness but also accelerate the transformation of East China Normal University's research achievements.
Currently, hearing loss has become a global public health challenge. According to World Health Organization data, approximately 466 million people worldwide suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss. Among them, about 200 million people in China are affected, with over 70 million experiencing moderate to severe hearing impairment. As people age, many experience hearing decline, which significantly impacts the quality of life, mental health, and social interactions of the elderly.
The research outcomes of the joint laboratory will directly benefit hearing-impaired individuals, helping them improve their quality of life and enhance social participation, while also contributing wisdom and strength to the cause of hearing health.
This collaboration is not only a win-win for East China Normal University and Boin Hearing but also sets a benchmark for technological innovation in China's hearing health sector. In the future, both parties will continue to deepen their collaboration and jointly write a new chapter in the development of AI audio technology.
