Meta’s Chief AI Scientist, Yann LeCun, has recently opened up about the critical shortcomings of current artificial intelligence models, particularly in relation to achieving human-like intelligent behavior. In a groundbreaking statement at the AI Action Summit held in Paris earlier this year, LeCun articulated that existing systems lack fundamental traits essential for genuine intelligence.
He outlined four key characteristics that intelligent beings, including humans, naturally possess:
1. Understanding the physical world
2. Having persistent memory
3. The ability to reason
4. Planning complex, hierarchical actions
Given that current large language models (LLMs) fail to meet these standards, LeCun emphasizes that effectively integrating these capabilities would necessitate a revolutionary shift in training methodologies. Many of the industry’s major players are merely “cobbling capabilities” onto existing models as they scramble to capture market dominance.
Meta is already venturing into innovative approaches, including a technique called retrieval augmented generation (RAG), designed to enhance LLM outputs by leveraging external knowledge sources. Additionally, their recent release of V-JEPA represents a shift toward non-generative models, focusing on predicting missing segments within videos. Both strategies signify a move towards a more adaptable AI framework.
LeCun argues that adopting “world-based models” offers a promising alternative. These models would undergo training based on real-life scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of cognition compared to traditional pattern-based systems. The concept involves enabling models to envision actions and predict subsequent outcomes, aligning closer with the way humans perceive and navigate through real-world complexities.
However, the path ahead appears challenging for Meta. Reports indicate a notable talent drain within its AI research division, especially concerning those who initially developed the acclaimed Llama model in 2023. Alarmingly, only three of the original fourteen authors of Llama remain at the company, while many have transitioned to Mistral, a start-up forged by former Meta researchers. The latest iteration, Llama 4, has met with tepid reactions from developers, leading many to cast their eyes toward competitors like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro.
In light of these dynamics, it’s become increasingly clear that for Meta to regain its position in the competitive AI landscape, a radical restructuring in training methodologies and model development is essential. The company’s upcoming decisions regarding the rollout of its flagship AI LLM Llama 4 “Behemoth” will be critical in determining its trajectory in the evolving AI sector.
