Artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse are some of the most captivating technologies of

the 21st century so far. Both are believed to have the potential to change many aspects of our
lives, disrupt different industries, and enhance the efficiency of traditional workflows. While
these two technologies are often looked at separately, they're more connected than we may think.
Before we explore the relationship between AI and the metaverse, let's start by defining both
terms.
What Is the Metaverse?
The metaverse is a concept describing a hypothetical future design of the internet. It features an
immersive, 3D online world where users are represented by custom avatars and access
information with the help of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and similar
technologies. Instead of accessing the internet via their screens, users access the metaverse via a
combination of the physical and digital. The metaverse will enable people to socialize, play, and
work alongside others in different 3D virtual spaces.
A similar arrangement was described in Neal Stephenson’s 1992 science-fiction novel Snow
Crash. While it was perceived as a fantasy mere three decades ago, it seems like it could become
a reality sooner rather than later. Although the metaverse isn't fully in existence yet, some online
platforms incorporate elements of it. For example, video games like Fortnite and Horizon World
port multiple elements of our day-to-day lives into the online world.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
In simple terms, artificial intelligence (AI) is an array of technologies that leverage computers to
mimic human intelligence in performing sophisticated tasks such as decision-making, problem-
solving, and learning. AI has seen tremendous growth in the past ten years, and it's becoming
increasingly intertwined with many aspects of our daily lives. Customer support chatbots and
voice assistants like Siri and Alexa are great examples of AI technology that many of us may
have interacted with.
How AI and the Metaverse Work Together
24/7 support
AI chatbots are commonly used to assist with answering basic customer queries, facilitate
onboarding, and troubleshoot simple issues instantly. This form of communication can also be
applied in the metaverse. AI chatbots can help users by providing them with information about
different services, answering simple product queries, taking orders, and more. For example, if
you can't find the specific pair of shoes you want while shopping in the metaverse, an AI chatbot
could help you locate the store and direct you to them.
Inclusivity
Thanks to the power of AI, metaverses can become more inclusive. Natural language processing
(NLP), a branch of AI, can potentially break down human language barriers. NLP allows
machines to understand, read, and even deduce different languages, making it much easier for
people worldwide to communicate with each other in the metaverse.
To take this up a notch, NLP, speech recognition, computer vision, AI-powered translation, and
AR can further enhance user-metaverse and user-user interactions. For instance, you can interact
with the metaverse in your native language and receive feedback in the form of images and
videos.
The promise of a truly immersive experience is a massive driving force for the metaverse.
However, for people with limited digital skills or those suffering from disabilities, a highly
digitized space could potentially be less accessible. AI technology can help create an inclusive
and accessible user interface, thus ensuring that everyone makes the most of their online
experiences.
User experience
One of the basic metaverse moves is creating your own avatar. AI applications could help people
build realistic avatars by generating an array of options based on user inputs.

Many online platforms we use daily, like shopping sites and social media, utilize AI-based
recommendation systems to get user data and provide customized recommendations tailored to
users’ browsing habits. This feature can also be employed in the metaverse to make your
experiences more bespoke.

Spam detection
AI can also play a huge part in fighting cyber security threats in the metaverse. For example,
implementing AI-powered spam filters could help stamp out annoying and potentially dangerous
incoming messages, whatever form they take in the immersive world of the metaverse.

Gaming
AI can be used to create dynamic and responsive, human-like non-player characters (NPCs) to
interact with users in a virtual environment. These characters can "see" and "listen to" users to
comprehend what they are saying, elevating the traditional gaming experience. Moreover, AI-
infused gaming characters in the metaverse can offer users more meaningful interactions by
using body language and speech to develop more compelling conversations.

Conclusion
AI is not a cure-all to create the perfect metaverse, but there are many areas where it can take the
user experience to the next level. If these two emerging technologies can live up to their
potential, they'll surely create a lasting impact in the virtual world. We may uncover more
innovation by harnessing both technologies as they develop.

Role of AI in metaverse, from content creation to cybersecurity

By Anshul Rustaggi, ET CONTRIBUTORSLast Updated: Apr 05, 2023, 03:12:00 PM IST
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com//small-biz/security-tech/technology/role-of-ai-in-metaverse-from-
content-creation-to cybersecurity/articleshow/99256925.cms?
utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field of technology that has already made
significant contributions to various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation.
Recently, AI has emerged as a critical component in the development of the Metaverse, a virtual
world where people can interact with each other, and digital entities in a fully immersive
environment.
What is the Metaverse?
The Metaverse is a term coined by the science fiction author Neal Stephenson in his novel Snow
Crash. It refers to a collective virtual shared space that is created by the convergence of various
technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, blockchain, and the internet. In the
Metaverse, users can interact with each other in real-time, create and customise their avatars,

Role of AI in the Metaverse

AI is essential for the creation and management of the Metaverse. Here are some of the critical
roles that AI plays in the Metaverse.

Content Creation: AI can help in the creation of content for the Metaverse, such 3D models,
textures, and animations. AI-powered tools can automate the process of creating and designing
virtual environments, reducing the time and cost required for content creation.
Security: The Metaverse poses various security challenges, such as identity theft, fraud, and
cyber-attacks. AI can be used to monitor user behaviour and detect any suspicious activity, such
as attempts to steal personal information or engage in malicious behaviour.
Personalisation: AI algorithms can analyse user data to create a personalised experience for
each user. For example, an AI system can learn a user's preferences for virtual clothing, virtual
accessories, and virtual activities, and suggest personalised options.
Creating and managing digital entities: In the Metaverse, AI is used to create and manage
various digital entities such as non-player characters (NPCs), virtual assistants, and chatbots.
These entities can interact with users and provide them with personalised experiences based on
their preferences and behaviour.
Immersion: AI can help create more immersive virtual environments by enabling realistic
physics, lighting, and sound effects. For example, AI algorithms can simulate the behaviour of
water, fire, and other natural elements, making the virtual environment more realistic.
Real-time translation: AI can enable real-time translation of languages spoken in the
Metaverse, making it easier for people from different countries to communicate and collaborate.
This could lead to the creation of a truly global virtual community.
Intelligent NPCs: Non-Player Characters (NPCs) are characters controlled by the game's AI,
which can interact with users in the virtual environment. AI algorithms can enable NPCs to
understand natural language and respond appropriately, making the interactions more realistic
and engaging.
Rodolfo Salazar
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2023/04/14/the-metaverse-and-ai-a-powerful-
combination-for-business-growth-and-innovation/?sh=51361e2e69a1
The Metaverse And AI: A Powerful Combination For Business Growth And Innovation

Rodolfo Salazar
Forbes Councils Member
Forbes Agency Council
COUNCIL POST| Membership (Fee-Based)
Apr 14, 2023, 07:45am EDT

The "new normal" of the connected era after the pandemic has forced businesses to seek new
ways of engaging with customers, collaborating with employees and growing their bottom line.
Enter the metaverse, an emerging frontier representing a fundamental shift in how we interact
with the world. As per a report by Grand View Research, the global metaverse market size is
expected to reach more than $900 billion by 2030. The metaverse offers a massive opportunity
for businesses across industries, from gaming to real estate to retail.

As I write this article for this column, my mind races with excitement as I think about the future
of business and the potential of the powerful combination of AI and the metaverse. These are
topics that I've been passionate about for years, and I'm thrilled to see them gaining traction in
the business world.

I've had the privilege of speaking with industry experts and entrepreneurs at the forefront of
these emerging technologies. They all agree that this powerful combination represents a
significant shift in how we interact with the world and can potentially transform businesses in
ways we've never seen before.

I remember a conversation with a tech entrepreneur developing a virtual storefront in the

metaverse. He explained that the storefront was more than just a place to sell products; it was an
immersive experience that would engage customers and provide value beyond just a transaction.
He believed this was the future of retail and that businesses that failed to embrace these concepts
would be left behind.

Another conversation I had was with a business consultant advising companies on adapting to
the new reality of remote work and collaboration. She explained that these combined
technologies provided a unique opportunity for businesses to create virtual spaces where
employees could work together and collaborate in ways that were impossible in the physical
world.

Initially, many believed that the rise of AI would lead to a world where algorithmic ones would
replace virtual experiences, thereby rendering the metaverse redundant. However, the truth is
that AI did not kill the metaverse. Instead, it is now more vital than ever before.
The combination of AI and the metaverse has unlocked a new era of business growth and
innovation. Companies across industries are exploring the potential of the metaverse and the role
that AI can play in creating more immersive and engaging virtual experiences.

In the gaming industry, AI is being used to create more realistic and dynamic virtual
worlds. Minecraft and Second Life are already using AI to generate environments and characters
that are more lifelike than ever before. This allows players to immerse themselves in a virtual
world that feels almost as real as the physical one.

Beyond gaming, retailers are exploring the use of AI-powered virtual storefronts, enabling
customers to browse and buy products in a more immersive way. Real estate companies are
using AI to create virtual tours of properties, providing potential buyers with a more realistic
sense of what a property looks like before visiting in person.

The metaverse is still in its early stages, and there is no limit to what can be done with AI. As AI
evolves, it will be able to create even more sophisticated virtual experiences that are even more
engaging and immersive than what we have today. Many believe that the combination of AI and
the metaverse could unlock the potential of virtual reality in ways never seen before. It could be
the ultimate testbed for AI, where developers can experiment with new algorithms and
techniques that could revolutionize how we interact with computers and each other.

In conclusion, AI did not kill the metaverse. Instead, it has helped to make it stronger and more
promising than ever before. As businesses continue to explore the potential of the metaverse, it's
clear that AI will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of virtual experiences.
The metaverse is an exciting frontier for innovation and growth, and professionals, companies,
and brands that embrace this new reality will be the ones that shape the future of business. The
potential reward is massive, and the stakes are high; staying up to date on the latest
developments and trends is crucial. The metaverse and AI have emerged as a powerful
combination that businesses must consider in their present and future plans and strategies.

Top 10 Companies Using AI in the Metaverse

By Amber Jackson, September 20, 2023

10: Magic Leap

Magic Leap is an American technology company that released a head-mounted augmented
reality display, called Magic Leap One, which superimposes 3D computer-generated imagery
over real world objects. It provides a powerful augmented reality platform for enterprises and its
technology enables global teams to collaborate remotely with co-presence, conduct better
reviews aided by 3D visualisation, and offer real-time remote expertise to frontline workers.
In May 2023, it was reported that the company was in talks with Meta to create an agreement to
explore ways in which Magic Leap could provide both intellectual property licensing and
contract manufacturing in North America to help build mainstream AR products.
9: Binance

Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange that lists more than 350 cryptocurrencies globally. In
addition to crypto trading, the company offers several services that enhance the experience for
users and blockchain developers. As far as Binance is concerned, the metaverse is a shared
virtual space that uses virtual reality and blockchain technology to merge digital and physical
environments. It enables real-time interaction with digital objects and other users. The company
also provides an online list of the current top crypto tokens related to the metaverse.
8: Epic Games
Founded in 1991, Epic Games is an American company that holds more than 40 offices
worldwide. Today, it is a leading interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D
technology and is well known for operating one of the world’s largest games, Fortnite, which has
over 350 million accounts and 2.5 billion friend connections. Epic Games has become one of the
leading companies behind the evolution of the metaverse, including holding numerous virtual
events within Fortnite. In 2022, the company raised US$2bn to fund other metaverse initiatives,
including Unreal Engine to create immersive experiences in simulated environments like games.
7: Google DeepMind
A subsidiary of Google, Google DeepMind has always been committed to AI research. It holds a
crucial role as the metaverse expands, particularly concerning ethical practice.
In August 2023, Google DeepMind released SynthID: a tool designed to watermark AI-
generated images imperceptible to humans, but discernible by an AI detection program. The tool
aims to embed a watermark within the image without altering its quality and has been initially
launched for Google Cloud customers using Vertex AI, aiming to combat issues like deepfakes
and enhance the trustworthiness of AI-generated content.
6: Tencent
Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products
and services. Founded in 1998 in China, the company’s guiding principle is to use technology for
good, publishing some of the world's most popular video games and other high-quality digital
content. In July 2023, it was reported that Tencent had entered a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Morpheus Labs to cooperate on efforts to drive Web3 gaming and metaverse
innovation and promote the development of the Web3 ecosystem. It aims to allow Web3 builders
to create innovative gaming experiences for players.
5: NVIDIA
A full-stack computing company, NVIDIA continues to have a wide range of products and
services within the technology sector. The company remains one of the world’s leading graphics
processing unit (GPU) developers and AI computing leaders. The company remains one of the
metaverse’s largest investors as it continues to pioneer developments in GPUs for consoles,
laptops and PCs with a wide range of use cases. In particular, the company has an Omniverse
platform for creating and operating metaverse applications, enabling individuals and teams to
develop Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD)-based 3D workflows and applications.
4: AWS

AWS views the industrial metaverse as transforming understandings over people’s relationship
to the digital world. It offers a range of industrial metaverse solutions that users can incorporate
augmented reality and virtual reality into digital twin experiences to provide a more realistic and
immersive representation of a physical entity. According to AWS, these solutions can help
improve decision-making, collaboration and remote monitoring and maintenance. Its purpose-
built cloud products include AWS IoT TwinMaker to optimise operations with digital twins, as
well as AWS SimSpace Weaver that enables the building of large-scale spatial simulations.
3: Google
Google has already ventured into the virtual reality race, having created several VR and AR
products such as Google Glass, Google Cardboard and the Daydream VR headset. Google has
also developed ARCore, a platform for creating augmented reality applications on Android
devices. The company is continually focused on developing and enhancing immersive
technologies that allow users to experience new and customisable virtual environments. It has
been suggested that Google metaverse Project Starline may play a key role in further connecting
people online. Individuals should be able to come together and join this metaverse to interact and
collaborate on projects and share ideas.
2: Microsoft
Microsoft is one of the forefront companies developing the metaverse, especially when it comes
to collaboration. The company has also partnered with Meta to deliver future immersive
experiences for the future of both work and play. In particular, Microsoft Mesh for Teams is the
company’s metaverse platform that allows shared experiences from anywhere and on any device
through mixed reality applications. The platform aims to bridge communication methods, with
the technology allowing everyone in a meeting to be present through creating avatars and
immersive spaces that can be accessed from any device.
1: Meta
Facebook is a platform where people can interact with each other, build communities and
socialise while sitting at home, but in 2021 Meta rebranded in 2021 to shift its focus more to the
metaverse. It offers information and services on VR, AR and smart glasses, with creative ideas
and practical applications being developed every day by all people. The company also shares
frequent updates and stories on how the metaverse is impacting individuals and industries
worldwide. Meta believes that the metaverse will work to transform education and industries
ranging from healthcare, mechanics and engineering, to name a few.