Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from research laboratories into everyday life, reshaping how people work, learn, and interact with technology. Behind this transformation are researchers who can not only advance AI, but also turn complex ideas into reliable systems with real-world impact. 

Professor Cao Liangliang, who joined the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) as Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence Systems, brings this distinctive combination of research excellence, industry leadership, and entrepreneurial experience. His career has spanned prestigious institutions, including the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yahoo Labs, Google, Apple, and Google DeepMind. He has contributed to major AI systems—including Apple Intelligence, Google Cloud Vision, Google Speech, Gemini, and Project Astra—and co-founded Switi Inc., a startup later acquired by Google. 

From startup lessons to tech giants

Professor Cao began his career at IBM, later joined Yahoo Labs, and co-founded Switi Inc. in 2016. His startup experience became a crucial lesson in building technology for real users. 

“Building a demo is much easier than building a reliable product for real customers,” he reflects. “Novelty is important, but customer needs, reliability, and trust are just as important”. 

This focus on reliability remained a constant throughout his subsequent roles. After Google acquired Switi in 2018, he founded and led the Google Cloud Speech Modelling Team until 2021. He then served as Principal Scientist and Engineering Lead at Apple, and subsequently as Principal Engineer and Director at Google DeepMind. Throughout this journey, he learned that successful AI development depends not only on technical breakthroughs, but also on people and collaboration. “The biggest lesson for me is to find the best people and work on the projects that excite us most,” he says. 

Bringing real-world Perspectives to PolyU

At PolyU, Professor Cao hopes to bring these industry perspectives into his teaching and mentoring. In particular, he aims to share hands-on experience with students, covering how AI systems are designed, built, tested, and improved in practice. He is also planning a new course on using AI coding tools to build applications for iPhone and Mac, set to launch in the coming spring semester. 

His research interests span computer vision, large language models, speech, and intelligent agents. He is especially passionate about developing AI assistants for special education and building reliable AI systems across different industries. 

“The field is moving so quickly that we may need to refresh our research ideas every six months,” he notes. “That is challenging, but also very exciting”. 

Advice for the next generation

For students hoping to enter the field, Professor Cao’s advice goes beyond technical preparation. “First, stay healthy,” he says, noting the intense pressure many researchers and engineers face in fast-moving technology environments. “A long career needs both curiosity and stamina”. 

He also encourages students to build strong fundamentals and avoid chasing technology for its own sake. Citing Steve Jobs’ advice to start with the customer experience and work backwards to the technology, he believes the same principle applies to AI. “The best opportunities may come from understanding real human needs, then using AI thoughtfully to serve them”. 

As PolyU continues to advance its research, teaching, and industry engagement, Professor Cao’s appointment brings valuable expertise in building AI systems that are powerful, impactful, and trustworthy. His vision will help strengthen the University’s efforts to develop human-centred AI solutions that serve real-world needs. 

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