AI Could Gain Earthly Understanding Through 'Planetary Intelligence,' Says Planet Labs CEO
Will Marshall proposes integrating vast satellite data with AI to create 'Large Earth Models' that mimic human embodiment.
Human intelligence and consciousness stem from a combination of computation and interaction with the physical world, according to Will Marshall, CEO of Planet Labs. He argues that this feedback loop between an organism and its environment is fundamental to learning, adaptation, and self-awareness.
Marshall suggests that artificial intelligence could soon achieve a similar grounding through what he terms "Planetary Intelligence." This concept involves merging the continuous visual data captured by satellites and other sensors with AI technologies to create "Large Earth Models" (LEMs). Unlike Large Language Models (LLMs), which process internet text, LEMs would analyze visual information from satellites, weather sensors, drones, and cameras.
This integration, Marshall contends, would provide AI with a sensory nervous system connected to the entire Earth, functionally similar to embodiment. He believes that "Planetary Intelligence" is crucial for aligning AI with human interests and ensuring its development benefits humanity.