MIT Technology Review hosted a roundtable on May 21, 2026, featuring editor in chief Mat Honan, senior AI editor Will Douglas Heaven, and AI reporter Grace Huckins. The discussion centered on world models, a recent advancement in AI that aims to help systems better understand the external world and overcome the limitations of large language models. The session explored how AI might transition from virtual to physical environments, with insights from industry experts. The roundtable also touched on broader AI trends, including the rapid pace of development noted in Stanford’s 2026 AI Index. According to the report, AI is advancing at a breakneck speed, making it difficult for researchers and developers to keep up. The conversation highlighted the growing interest in world models as a potential solution to current AI limitations. The event was part of MIT Technology Review’s ongoing series examining the most significant developments in AI. *Source: [mittr](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/05/21/1137756/roundtables-can-ai-learn-to-understand-the-world/)*