World Labs Unveils AI for Creating 3D Interactive Environments from Images
World Labs introduces an innovative AI tool capable of transforming a single image into a modifiable, interactive 3D scene. Unlike existing 3D models, these scenes allow users to explore and interact within them, heralding a new era for digital content creation.
World Labs, the brainchild of AI trailblazer Fei-Fei Li, has announced its inaugural project: an advanced AI system that can create immersive 3D environments from just one picture. While many AI solutions offer 3D model conversions, World Labs stands out by providing fully interactive scenes. ‘Our technology enables you to dive into any image, experiencing it in three dimensions,’ the company shared in a recent blog.
These AI-powered environments, previewed on World Labs’ website, offer live interaction via keyboard and mouse. Although slightly cartoonish in appearance, they showcase real-time rendering in browsers and boast a customizable camera with simulated depth of field (DoF), enhancing focus through blurring backgrounds by varying DoF intensity.
World Labs is part of a budding AI segment known as ‘world models.’ These models generally simulate digital landscapes, but often grapple with inconsistent graphics and artifacts. Unlike competitors, World Labs guarantees permanence and real-world physics in their scenes, ensuring realism in interaction and depth. The system even supports dynamic effects, such as object color changes and backdrop lighting alterations.
‘Most AI tools generate 2D visuals. Venturing into 3D refines consistency and control,’ the company noted. ‘This approach promises to revolutionize film, gaming, simulation, and more.’
Though current demos are constricted within a limited area and sometimes present rendering flaws, World Labs labels this as a preliminary display. ‘We are enhancing the expanse and precision of our generated spaces and exploring innovative user interaction methods,’ the team stated.
Launched recently, World Labs has secured $230 million in venture funding from notable backers like Andreessen Horowitz, AMD Ventures, and more. Valued over $1 billion, World Labs anticipates launching its first product by 2025. Beyond interactive realms, its offerings are poised to benefit artists, designers, developers, and filmmakers, expanding from game developers to cinema studios.
‘Currently, crafting interactive virtual worlds demands immense investment and time,’ explained co-founder Justin Johnson on the a16z podcast. ‘[World models] will enable not just image or video creation, but fully functional, lively 3D universes.’