**AI “world models” are being touted as the next big thing in computer science, and for good reason: they could finally bring physical AI to life.**
For years, tech entrepreneurs have been limited to virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, but now a new era of computer science is emerging that could finally bridge the gap between language models and the physical world. Louis Castricato, a computer scientist at Brown University, has spent eight years studying large language models, but he’s now focused on the next frontier: “world models.”
World models, Castricato explains, are AI systems that can understand the physical environment and interact with the world around them. While language models can chat with us all day, they’re still trapped in a virtual world and can’t control or influence the physical one. But Castricato and his colleagues believe that world models could change that.
**What’s missing from current AI systems?**
Current AI systems, like language models, are based on complex algorithms and large datasets that enable them to understand and generate human-like language. But while these systems are incredibly powerful, they’re still limited to a virtual environment. They can’t control physical objects, navigate physical spaces, or interact with the world in the way that humans can.
This is where world models come in. These AI systems are designed to understand the physical environment and interact with the world around them. They’re like a mashup of language models and robotics, with the ability to understand and navigate physical spaces.
**The potential is enormous**
The potential of world models is enormous. Imagine a future where AI systems can manage complex physical systems, like cities or industrial processes, in a way that’s seamless and efficient. Imagine a world where robots can work alongside humans, collaborating and communicating in real-time.
It’s not just about robots, either. World models could also be used in fields like healthcare, finance, and education, where complex systems need to be managed and optimized. The possibilities are endless, and it’s no wonder that Castricato and his colleagues are so excited about this new frontier in computer science.
**What this means**
For tech entrepreneurs and businesses, the emergence of world models means a new era of innovation and opportunity. It’s a chance to develop AI systems that can interact with the physical world, and to create new products and services that were previously impossible. It’s also a chance to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI, and to create a future where humans and machines can work together in ways that are seamless and efficient.
