New to AI? You only need three labels to begin: the company makes the technology, the model is the engine, and the app is what you open. A method is a recipe developers use to build or teach AI.

Made byBaidu
What kind of thing?AI engine family
Can I use it directly?Baidu offers an ERNIE / Wenxin assistant. Language and account requirements may vary.
An open notebook with a speech bubble, paper boat and bright light bulb representing words and ideas.
A question, a picture or an idea can be a starting point. The model’s job depends on what it was built to do.

See the idea in three steps

Start withA question or writing task
AI helps withBaidu’s assistant
You getGenerated text

A simple illustration of the idea. Results depend on the model, training and app.

A familiar way to picture it

An everyday analogyThink of Baidu as the maker, ERNIE as an AI engine family, and its assistant as the place people interact with it.

An analogy helps you understand the main idea. It is not a description of every technical detail.

A simple ERNIE example

A suitable version can help someone write a product description in Chinese.

1

A person opens Baidu’s supported assistant.

2

The person asks a question or requests help with writing.

3

The assistant uses its AI capabilities to generate a response.

Is ERNIE the name of a company?

Baidu is the company. ERNIE is associated with its AI model family and assistant branding. You may also see Wenxin names on Baidu’s services.

Where can I try it or learn more?

Baidu offers an ERNIE / Wenxin assistant. Language and account requirements may vary.

Baidu’s assistant ↗

A maker’s page or research page may explain the technology rather than provide a chat box. Available models, features and access can change.

A small activity for you

Write the three layers on paper: maker, engine and app. Put Baidu under maker. Use the official website to see the assistant’s current name and supported access.

You do not need to memorise model sizes or write a program to understand this lesson. First explain the idea in your own words. If you want to build an app later, the official resources are your next step.

Common beginner questions

Is ERNIE the name of a company?

Baidu is the company. ERNIE is associated with its AI model family and assistant branding. You may also see Wenxin names on Baidu’s services.

Who made ERNIE?

Baidu. Baidu offers an ERNIE / Wenxin assistant. Language and account requirements may vary.

How can I start learning this topic?

Write the three layers on paper: maker, engine and app. Put Baidu under maker. Use the official website to see the assistant’s current name and supported access.

Keep learning

These related lessons help you compare the names without getting lost in technical details.

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See all 20 AI names and the seven-day learning plan →

Sources and review date

Reviewed 3 November 2026. Examples and analogies are written for beginners. Product facts are linked to the maker, original project or research below.