Tech analysts and skeptics claim that the artificial intelligence bubble has burst, signaling a return to an AI winter. However, Fei-Fei Li, recognized as the "godmother of AI, " disagrees. Currently on leave from Stanford, she is co-founding World Labs, which aims to create systems capable of generating complete worlds, incorporating the physics and intricacies of reality. Despite the pessimism regarding AI's progress, World Labs is attracting substantial investment, having raised $230 million and reached a valuation of $1 billion, with a product anticipated in about a year. Li previously made significant strides in AI by developing ImageNet, a database that enhanced neural network capabilities. She believes that current deep-learning models require another breakthrough to realize a future where AI can craft realistic or fantastical environments. Her vision centers on "spatial intelligence, " a field where AI understands and interacts with physical reality.

Together with her co-founder Justin Johnson and a skilled team, including experts from Amazon and Google, the company aims to first develop models focused on 3D understanding and then expand into augmented reality and robotics. While the ultimate goals are ambitious, including improvements in autonomy for vehicles and factories, the startup acknowledges the uncertainties ahead and plans to unveil a product by 2025. Investors are optimistic about the potential applications, which could revolutionize content creation for the entertainment industry. Li's journey in AI is both personal and professional, deeply intertwined with her experiences as an immigrant and her determination to prove doubters wrong during the development of ImageNet. Her memoir, "The Worlds I See, " reflects this intertwining of her life and the evolution of AI technology. In a different context, the conversation touches on the future etiquette surrounding augmented reality (AR) technology. Unlike smartphones, AR may complicate social interactions, as people could be engaged with digital content while appearing to be present. This shift may lead to new societal norms surrounding attention and presence in public spaces.