The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is on everyone’s lips. AI offerings such as ChatGPT or Midjourney are experiencing rapidly increasing user numbers that outshine even TikTok, the most successful social media app. For example, ChatGPT reached 100 million active users within just two months after its launch. By comparison, TikTok took nine months, Instagram took 2.5 years, and Google Translate took a whopping 6.5 years to achieve the same milestone.
The Metaverse has also recognized the great potential of AI and is already leveraging it in various areas today. We have taken a closer look at the topic and would like to provide a brief overview of current applications of AI in the Metaverse:
Personalized Characters: AI can be used to create personalized virtual characters that resemble users and react to their interactions. These characters can, for example, act as virtual assistants, helping users navigate the virtual world or find information. NVIDIA, a leading manufacturer of graphics cards and processors, has also taken a pioneering role in the development of AI-based technologies in recent years. The company has developed several AI platforms that enable developers to create personalized characters in the Metaverse. One of these platforms is “NVIDIA Omniverse.” The platform uses advanced AI algorithms to make movements and interactions with other characters and objects in the virtual world as realistic as possible.
Automated Translation: Since the Metaverse brings together users from around the world, overcoming language barriers can be challenging. AI can be used to enable real-time automated translations, allowing users from different countries to interact with each other. The AI technology most commonly used for automatic translations in the Metaverse is called “neural machine translation” (NMT). NMT is a type of artificial intelligence based on neural networks that can analyze and translate natural language. Unlike previous approaches based on rules and translation databases, NMT uses actual text examples to understand and translate a language. For example, RWS offers an NMT-based translation system called “SDL Machine Translation,” specifically designed to meet the requirements of businesses in the Metaverse. It provides high accuracy and quality for real-time content translation and can be used in various applications in the Metaverse, such as virtual meetings, team collaborations, and online games.
Intelligent Virtual Objects: AI can also be used to make virtual objects more intelligent, as impressively demonstrated by “Nanome” today. Nanome is a company specialized in developing VR and AR applications for chemical and biological research. The company uses machine learning and other AI technologies to create virtual molecules and other complex chemical structures that can be examined by researchers and scientists in the real world. For example, users can visualize, manipulate, and analyze molecules to gain and share scientific insights. Thus, Nanome’s AI contributes to creating a dynamic, collaborative, and scientific environment in the Metaverse.
Personalized Recommendations: AI is already being used for personalized recommendations of virtual objects or experiences in the Metaverse. These recommendations are based on users’ interactions with the virtual world, including their preferences and interests. One of the most commonly used AI methods for personalized recommendations in the Metaverse is called “collaborative filtering.” Collaborative filtering is an AI technique based on analyzing user behavior and identifying common characteristics among users. It collects and analyzes data on user interactions, preferences, and ratings to create personalized recommendations for further content or products. Meta is an example of a company that uses collaborative filtering for personalized recommendations in the Metaverse. The company employs AI methods to create personalized content recommendations on its platform based on user behavior and other attributes such as age, gender, interests, and location.
Automated Behavior Rules: With the help of AI, virtual characters or avatars in the Metaverse can react in real-time to users’ interactions and adjust their behavior accordingly. This can contribute to making virtual environments more realistic and vibrant, enhancing the experience for users and making it more exciting and authentic. One of the most commonly used AI methods for automated behavior rules in the Metaverse is called reinforcement learning. Reinforcement learning is an AI technique where an agent operates in an environment and learns which actions are best in a given situation through feedback in the form of rewards or punishments. The agent learns through trial and error, adjusting and optimizing its actions based on the received feedback. Unity Technologies, a leading platform for creating interactive 3D and 2D content, is an example of a company that uses reinforcement learning in the Metaverse.
The examples demonstrate that while the topic of Artificial Intelligence in the Metaverse may still be in its early stages, the applications are already diverse, and the pace of development should not be underestimated. After all, it plays a significant role in making the user experience as immersive as possible. Therefore, we propose the thesis that the breakthrough of the Metaverse will depend significantly on the level of development of integrated AI systems.
