Google has taken another step toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) with Genie 3, a “world model” that simulates lifelike environments where AI systems and robots can train.
Google Artificial General Intelligence research focus
Built by Google DeepMind, Genie 3 supports the development of AI agent systems that act independently and perform a variety of tasks. Robots and autonomous vehicles can practice inside convincing digital settings such as warehouses, which may speed up their learning process.
DeepMind calls world models a key path toward AGI. Unlike narrow AI tools, AGI refers to systems that perform tasks across many domains at a level close to humans. “We expect this technology to play a critical role as we push toward AGI, and agents play a greater role in the world,” the company said.
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Genie 3 abilities and demonstrations
Genie 3 generates environments instantly from text prompts. A ski slope, a mountain lake, or a busy factory floor can appear in seconds. Users can even alter scenes on demand, for example, adding a herd of deer to the ski run.
During demos, journalists watched scenarios that lasted minutes. That’s a sharp contrast with Google’s Veo 3, which only creates short clips of a few seconds. Even so, Google admits the model has limitations and has not given a release date.
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The push for AGI raises concerns about automation replacing office work. Google points instead to robotics and training. A realistic warehouse with physics and moving people can help a robot learn tasks safely before entering the real world.
Broader applications of world models
World models may also improve large language models, the engines behind chatbots. Adding a “virtual body” lets AI explore, test, and adapt. Andrew Rogoyski of the Institute for People-Centred AI explained: “If you give a disembodied AI the ability to be embodied, albeit virtually, then the AI can explore the world, or a world, and grow in capabilities as a result.”
Competition and the road to AGI
The race for advanced AI keeps heating up. OpenAI’s Sam Altman recently teased GPT-5, while Google showcased Genie 3. DeepMind sees it as a building block for future agents that can act inside digital worlds as naturally as they process text.
The line between simulation and reality is fading fast. World models like Genie 3 might not deliver AGI yet, but they show where the momentum is headed. The spark could arrive sooner than expected.
