Roundtables: Can AI Learn to Understand the World?

You need to enable JavaScript to view this site. Skip to ContentAvailable only for MIT Alumni and subscribers. Listen to the session or watch below 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 Related Stories: How Pokémon Go is giving delivery robots an inch-perfect view of the world 10 Things That Matter in AI Right Now: World Models Yann LeCun has a bold new vision for the future of AI < Deep DiveArtificial intelligenceWant to understand the current state of AI? Check out these charts.According to Stanford’s 2026 AI Index, AI is sprinting, and we’re struggling to keep up. By Michelle Kimarchive page10 Things That Matter in AI Right NowMIT Technology Review's authoritative overview of the 10 technologies, emerging trends, bold ideas, and powerful movements in AI in 2026. By Amy Nordrumarchive pageMusk v. Altman week 1: Elon Musk says he was duped, warns AI could kill us all, and admits that xAI distills OpenAI’s modelsMusk kept his cool, and OpenAI’s lawyer bulldozed him with piercing questions about his motivations for suing the company. By Michelle Kimarchive pageA new US phone network for Christians aims to block porn and gender-related contentLaunching next week on T-Mobile's network, the cell plan takes a nuclear approach to online safety. By James O'Donnellarchive pageStay connectedIllustration by Rose WongGet the latest updates fromMIT Technology ReviewDiscover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.Enter your emailPrivacy PolicyThank you for submitting your email!Explore more newslettersIt looks like something went wrong. We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.