MIT Roundtable: Can AI Learn to Understand the World?

On May 21, 2026, MIT Technology Review hosted a roundtable called 'Can AI Learn to Understand the World?' The discussion focused on whether AI could go beyond the limits of large language models to comprehend the physical world. The panel featured Mat Honan, the editor in chief, along with senior AI editor Will Douglas Heaven and AI reporter Grace Huckins. They explored the latest developments in world models, a significant area in AI research. Additional articles covered topics like Pokémon Go aiding delivery robots, Yann LeCun's vision for AI, and Stanford's 2026 AI Index, which highlights rapid advancements in the field. This event is part of MIT Technology Review's ongoing AI series.