AI-FRONTIERMay 21, 20261 min read9 views

Roundtables: Can AI Learn to Understand the World?

AI companies are shifting focus toward 'world models' to overcome the limitations of LLMs and help AI interact with the physical world. This roundtable discussion explores the future of AI's understanding of reality.

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AI companies want to build systems that understand the external world and overcome the limitations of LLMs. Recent developments have brought world models to the forefront of the AI discussion.

Watch a conversation with editor in chief Mat Honan, senior AI editor Will Douglas Heaven, and AI reporter Grace Huckins exploring how AI might enter the physical world.

**Speakers: **Mat Honan

*,*Editor in Chief, Will Douglas Heaven, AI Senior Editor, and Grace Huckins, AI Reporter

Recorded on May 21, 2026

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