(Yicai Global) Jan. 11 -- Artificial intelligence firm Horizon Robotics Inc., which has caught attention from AI investors, will begin its B-round funding in two months to commercialize its products this year.

The Beijing-based firm's founder Yu Kai told Yicai Global the news exclusively at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but did not disclose further details.

Competition in chip making for artificial intelligence is heating up. Firms are striving to develop new applications for the technology to make market breakthroughs. Horizon's products and solutions cover three main 'smart' areas: driving, cities and businesses.

The firm has already teamed up with German auto giant Audi AG to develop autonomous driving technology that can be adapted to China's roads and to suit other countries. It has also partnered domestic car maker Changan Automobile Co. and will look to mass produce automated driving technology suited to China.

Horizon has tested the waters in smart home appliances, such as air conditioners and robot vacuums. After introducing its second-gen processors, the company hopes to unveil more intelligent home products, Yu told Yicai Global in an earlier interview.

Intel Corp.'s investment led the firm's A+ funding last year. The California-based computing giant is a major player in AI chip development and conducts its own research as well as investing in the industrial chain.