Xiaomi makes big noises with $7bn 5G, AI and IOT plan

In an open letter from its CEO, Xiaomi has promised to increase its R&D investments in 5G, AI and IOT to $7.18 billion.

In years gone, Xiaomi was a backwater Chinese brand which hoovered up the scraps of mid- and low-tier smartphone shipments. But such is the momentum the Chinese technology industry is generating, Xiaomi is now a major force across the world, and this investment is further evidence of the success.

“2019 was significant year for our global expansion, our overseas revenue now accounts for almost half of our total group revenue,” CEO Lei Jun said in the letter.

“Xiaomi is now truly global technology leader. Our internet business also became more diversified and our AIoT business retained its global leadership. Xiaomi is now widely known as a ‘true AIoT leader’ in the industry.”

The Xiaomi strategy has been focused acutely on the convergence of 5G, AI and IOT. All of the components mean something important to somebody individually, but with Xiaomi’s broad portfolio of consumer products, it is in an interesting position. From smartphones, to home appliances, security products and scooters, if Xiaomi can nail the ‘AIoT’ proposition it can enter into an entirely new world, moving into the ‘software and services’ segments.

For many, AI and IOT are two technologies which work hand-in-hand. They can of course work separately, but the greatest value is achieved together. The consumer world is where Xiaomi can slip into naturally, but the emerging segment of Industry 4.0 is also open to the ambitious Chinese OEM.

What is worth noting is this is not a new investment but supercharging an existing one. Xiaomi had already committed $1.43 billion over the next five years, though this has now been aggressively pushed up to the $7.18 billion over the same period. Throwing cash at an opportunity is no guarantee of success, but it does certainly shift the odds.