Roundtables: Can AI Learn to Understand the World?

Available 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 < hide Deep Dive Artificial intelligence Want 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 page 10 Things That Matter in AI Right Now MIT Technology Review's authoritative overview of the 10 technologies, emerging trends, bold ideas, and powerful movements in AI in 2026. By Amy Nordrumarchive page Musk v. Altman week 1: Elon Musk says he was duped, warns AI could kill us all, and admits that xAI distills OpenAI’s models Musk kept his cool, and OpenAI’s lawyer bulldozed him with piercing questions about his motivations for suing the company. By Michelle Kimarchive page A new US phone network for Christians aims to block porn and gender-related content Launching next week on T-Mobile's network, the cell plan takes a nuclear approach to online safety. By James O'Donnellarchive page Stay connected Illustration by Rose Wong Get the latest updates from MIT Technology Review Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more. Enter your email Privacy Policy Thank you for submitting your email! Explore more newsletters It 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.