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What is a world model?
A world model is an AI system that builds an inner picture of how the world works so it can predict what happens next.
- Category Models
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
World model, explained simply
People imagine what will happen if they drop a glass. A world model gives an AI a similar sense of cause and effect.
It can be used to plan actions for robots, game characters and video tools without trying everything for real.
Many researchers see world models as a step toward AI that understands physical things, not only text.
On ITG Now, our AI research page and news stories may cover world model work in plain words.
Related terms
Text-to-videoAGIAI agentAI modelDeep learning
Questions people ask about World model
World model vs LLM: what is the difference?
An LLM focuses on language. A world model tries to predict how things in a scene or situation change.
What are world models used for?
Ideas include robot planning, game worlds and video generation.