The next frontier of AI: how ‘world models’ are simulating reality and virtual spaces

AI Summary

This article explores the emerging frontier of AI focused on 'world models' that simulate the physical and digital worlds over time. It highlights the early stage of this technology and the interest from Chinese companies applying these models beyond traditional physics and robotics.

Artificial intelligence has spent years learning to generate words, images and videos. Now, the industry’s attention is shifting towards “world models” – AI systems designed to simulate how the physical or digital world changes over time. While the term was originally associated with physics simulations and robotics, a growing number of Chinese companies are applying the concept more broadly. The technology remains in its infancy, with little consensus on what a world model should ultimately...