Baidu's PaddlePaddle deep learning platform and Huawei's Kirin chips will be paired up to make the most of their artificial intelligence (AI) power and to offer users smarter and faster applications, the two companies said on Wednesday at Baidu Create, an annual AI developer conference.

The agreement to work together on AI comes as a result of the comprehensive strategic partnership signed by the two companies in 2017.

At the AI conference Baidu also unveiled a new voice processing chip called Honghu, which will mainly be used to support human-machine speech interactions in vehicles and in smart home applications.

Baidu also announced a partnership with the carmaker Geely on intelligent connectivity, intelligent driving, smart home applications, and e-commerce.

Baidu has been stepping up investment in AI in recent years, including smart speakers and autonomous driving. The company said that its fleet of 300 advanced autonomous vehicles has been tested on roads in 13 cities.