PanGu-Σ vs. GLM-5

Recent advancements in natural language processing, understanding, and generation have largely stemmed from the evolution of large language models. This study introduces a system that utilizes Ascend 910 AI processors alongside the MindSpore framework to train a language model that surpasses one trillion parameters, achieving a total of 1.085 trillion, designated as PanGu-{\Sigma}. This model builds upon the foundation laid by PanGu-{\alpha} by transforming the traditional dense Transformer architecture into a sparse configuration via a technique called Random Routed Experts (RRE). By leveraging an extensive dataset comprising 329 billion tokens, the model was successfully trained with a method known as Expert Computation and Storage Separation (ECSS), which led to an impressive 6.3-fold increase in training throughput through the application of heterogeneous computing. Experimental results revealed that PanGu-{\Sigma} sets a new standard in zero-shot learning for various downstream tasks in Chinese NLP, highlighting its significant potential for progressing the field. This breakthrough not only represents a considerable enhancement in the capabilities of language models but also underscores the importance of creative training methodologies and structural innovations in shaping future developments. As such, this research paves the way for further exploration into improving language model efficiency and effectiveness.

GLM-5 is Z.ai’s most advanced open-source model to date, purpose-built for complex systems engineering, long-horizon planning, and autonomous agent workflows. Building on the foundation of GLM-4.5, it dramatically scales both total parameters and pre-training data while increasing active parameter efficiency. The integration of DeepSeek Sparse Attention allows GLM-5 to maintain strong long-context reasoning capabilities while reducing deployment costs. To improve post-training performance, Z.ai developed slime, an asynchronous reinforcement learning infrastructure that significantly boosts training throughput and iteration speed. As a result, GLM-5 achieves top-tier performance among open-source models across reasoning, coding, and general agent benchmarks. It demonstrates exceptional strength in long-term operational simulations, including leading results on Vending Bench 2, where it manages a year-long simulated business with strong financial outcomes. In coding evaluations such as SWE-bench and Terminal-Bench 2.0, GLM-5 delivers competitive results that narrow the gap with proprietary frontier systems. The model is fully open-sourced under the MIT License and available through Hugging Face, ModelScope, and Z.ai’s developer platforms. Developers can deploy GLM-5 locally using inference frameworks like vLLM and SGLang, including support for non-NVIDIA hardware through optimization and quantization techniques. Through Z.ai, users can access both Chat Mode for fast interactions and Agent Mode for tool-augmented, multi-step task execution. GLM-5 also enables structured document generation, producing ready-to-use .docx, .pdf, and .xlsx files for business and academic workflows. With compatibility across coding agents and cross-application automation frameworks, GLM-5 moves foundation models from conversational assistants toward full-scale work engines.