Layer 0: Silicon and Compute
The foundation requires specialized hardware:
- Nvidia’s dominance with GPUs remains unchallenged, giving them pricing power
- Custom silicon efforts by Meta, Google, and Apple aim to break this dependency
- Edge computing requirements for real-time applications drive innovation in efficient inference chips
Layer 1: Foundation Models
This is where the current battle rages:
- General-purpose world models (Genie, Cosmos) that work across domains
- Specialized models for specific physics (fluid dynamics, soft body, electromagnetic)
- Hybrid approaches combining multiple techniques
Layer 2: Middleware and Tools
The translation layer makes world models usable:
- Game engines (Unity, Unreal) as the primary integration point
- Simulation platforms (Omniverse, Isaac Sim) for industrial applications
- Cloud services packaging world models as APIs
Layer 3: Application Framework
Where developers build specific solutions:
- Domain-specific languages for describing worlds and interactions
- Visual programming interfaces for non-technical users
- Standard formats (OpenUSD emerging as the HTML of 3D worlds)
Layer 4: End-User Applications
The visible layer where value is captured:
- Consumer apps (games, social, education)
- Enterprise software (CAD, simulation, training)
- Embedded systems (robots, vehicles, AR glasses)
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