Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has revealed AI initiatives that will power the Metaverse

 

Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Meta, has launched a slew of ambitious artificial-intelligence initiatives, calling AI "the key to unlocking the Metaverse."

He used the AI function Builder Bot to construct a simple virtual environment, complete with an island, trees, and a beach, in a livestreamed presentation. Mr. Zuckerberg also stated that he intends to develop a worldwide voice translator. "Being able to converse with anyone in any language is a superpower that has been wished for for a long time," he added.

Mr Zuckerberg said Builder Bot was part of Meta's CAIRaoke project, which aimed to develop AI helpers by allowing "AI to perceive the world from our perspective" as individuals entered virtual reality via headsets or glasses.

He also promised that the AI systems that run Meta's virtual worlds would respect privacy, be transparent, and accountable.

Facebook has been investing in AI for the past ten years, and its head of AI, Yann LeCun, is one of the world's leading specialists.

It revealed in January that it has begun work on a new AI supercomputer that, when completed in mid-2022, will be the fastest in the world.

Following accusations from whistleblower Frances Haugen, Facebook changed its company name to Meta in October.

Mr Zuckerberg spoke at the time of a vast Metaverse accessible via virtual reality headgear such as the Meta Quest, previously Oculus, where people could work, play, and converse.