EU fuel prices rise 16.9 percent in July

Fuel and lubricant prices for personal transport in the European Union (EU) rose 16.9 percent in July year on year, according to data released on Friday by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office.

In particular, Romania recorded the highest annual increase at 24.2 percent, while Germany and Lithuania followed it with 22.9 percent each.

In July, diesel prices increased by 4.3 percent and gasoline prices by 4.7 percent on a monthly basis.

The deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and education scenarios stands out as one of the top attractions in the electronics and information products zone at the ongoing 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.

Multiple firms are displaying AI education hardware and system solutions, as the industry speeds up its shift from selling individual products to building full ecosystems.

A Guangzhou tech company is showcasing an intelligent interactive blackboard. Its booth is frequently packed with overseas buyers exploring the functions of the product.

"The solid geometry module allows users to quickly create 3D shapes like cubes and cuboids. Sections may be inserted and moved to help students examine their structures," said engineer Cai Kaihong from the tech company.

The blackboard runs interactive teaching software supporting 13 languages including English, Japanese and Thai. The built-in AI can automatically generates courseware and in-class quizzes, and delivers virtual oral practice.

It also enables hybrid online-offline classes and live remote teaching. The device suits multilingual classrooms and remote teaching in rural areas, and has been exported and adopted as new teaching equipment in some overseas schools.

A tech firm from Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, premiers an AI psychological assessment robot at the fair. Driven by large model technology, it offers AI video consultations and psychological interviews, plus a new 30-second rapid video assessment tool.

"It uses optical technology to capture facial expressions in 30 seconds. Paired with AI algorithms, it quickly generates mental health reports to assist parents and teachers with psychological interventions," said Mei Chao, deputy head of the company.

With their advantages of intelligent interaction, high efficiency and convenience, various new AI products have attracted a large number of purchasers from the education and medical fields to come to inquire and experience them.

"It is the first time I come to the Canton Fair. I come here specifically for the AI section. The robots that I'm seeing here are just amazing, I think China is leading the world in this area," said Sam, a purchaser from Australia.