Alibaba's Map App Builds a "FantasyWorld" to Power AI

Alibaba's mapping service, Amap, is developing AI "world models" to simulate real-world environments. This move aims to push the company's artificial intelligence beyond text and into practical services. The unit plans to launch a new product based on its "FantasyWorld" model. This system was created by Amap's internal Computer Vision Lab and first released in September. World models are a type of AI designed to understand and predict outcomes in complex, real-world settings. For Amap, this technology could significantly improve navigation, traffic prediction, and location-based services. The initiative is part of Alibaba's broader strategy to embed advanced AI across its business empire. The company is racing to keep pace with both Chinese and global rivals in the competitive AI sector.