Metaverse is a virtual world personalized to provide various services to each user. Artificial intelligence is an integral part of Metaverse and can determine the extent of its role in our lives. We’ll discuss how AI and Metaverse have changed our future.
Metaverse is the buzzword in today’s market. It is a combination of various advanced technologies like AR, VR, AI, etc. Metaverse allows users to engage with 3D objects in a virtual space. AI and Metaverse are set to create a new reality for mankind.
Statistics show that the Metaverse market is likely to reach $783.30 billion by 2030. Many leading multinational giants, like Facebook, Google, etc., are working on Metaverse.
But what exactly is Metaverse? What is the role of AI in developing Metaverse, and how will it impact the world? Let’s find out. But before we delve into Metaverse, let’s start with the basics and understand what artificial intelligence is.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. AI enables machines to mimic the human mind for decision-making. Artificial intelligence helps computers process vast amounts of information to identify hidden patterns, detect trends, and process information similar to a human brain.
Deep learning and machine learning are subsets of AI and are used in several applications. Artificial intelligence has been adopted by various businesses in recent years. A survey report shows that more than 86% of CEOs consider AI the mainstream technology in their organizations. Close to 85% of enterprises have increased their budget for AI compared to 2019. The global AI market was valued at $93.5 billion in 2021. It is likely to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 38.1% from 2022 to 2030.
AI is used by small, medium, and large enterprises from various industries. From Healthcare to manufacturing, every business needs AI to streamline its process. Artificial intelligence is used in the following ways:
Metaverse is a blend of multiple technologies. It is not a single entity and requires a range of technologies to work together. Metaverse is a collected virtual space that merges the virtual and real worlds. In fact, meta refers to ‘virtual’, and verse is short for ‘universe’. So, Metaverse is a virtual universe. Virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, mixed reality, etc., are used to create Metaverse.
The virtual worlds can be accessed from computers, smartphones, consoles, VR devices, and more. Metaverse can allow people to interact with the virtual world without moving in the real world. However, it’s important to note that Metaverse is still in the developing stages.
Top companies are investing in bringing Metaverse closer to common people. Some smaller organizations are updating their IT infrastructure to be ready for Metaverse by creating virtual worlds that closely resemble real life. That said, a few VR-based apps are also being termed Metaverse by businesses (especially in the gaming industry). These are hybrid models at best and not Metaverse.
With so many technologies required to develop Metaverse, what role does AI have in it? How important is AI to create Metaverse?
The role of artificial intelligence is to support the extensive features of Metaverse. AI will enhance user experience. It will make user interaction with Metaverse a seamless and worthy experience.
In short, AI will aid creation, collaboration, interaction, and personalization in Metaverse. It can make the virtual world a delightful experience for users.
While AI is great for personalization, it isn’t without risks for users. Micro-targeting can go either way if it becomes manipulative or is missed by people in power.
It can be hard to separate fact from fiction if one is not alert. Data manipulation is another risk, which can be controlled through in-built safety/ regulatory algorithms.
One way to minimize this risk is by setting up strict regulations about data collection and the role of AI agents in Metaverse. If we can control the misuse of technology, there’s no denying the plethora of advantages it offers to the public.
Metaverse will use AI algorithms the way social media platforms use AI for newsfeed personalization, ad targeting, etc. NLP (natural language processing), facial recognition, voice recognition, and other actions are also executed by AI.
A Harvard University report shows how AI will affect eight areas of human activities by 2030. The areas include:
The report highlights the need for reliable hardware to handle the developments and create a safe space for the world at large to use Metaverse in daily life.
Sentiment analysis, emotional recognition, and biometrics (physical + behavioral) will play a vital role in the personalization of the virtual world for a user. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, says that it could another five or ten years to make Metaverse a mainstream technology. Right now, it is limited to interactive headsets, AR/VR games, and mixed-reality applications.
Metaverse will open up new possibilities in technologies and blur the lines between real and virtual. You can create a virtual avatar of yourself to interact with others in the 3D virtual world. It erases boundaries and provides opportunities for businesses to market their products to the right audiences.
Metaverse also enhances learning and can provide a user-centric experience. Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in making this happen by bringing together other technologies to make Metaverse engaging.
They have the experience and agility to understand what’s possible and deliver to our expectations.
