World Models Infrastructure Stack

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)