Spatial Intelligence is Helping AI See, Learn, and Do Better

/Welcome to a New Era of AI

Let’s take a quick trip back in time—like 540 million years ago.

Back then, life on Earth wasn’t all that exciting. We had light, but because nothing had figured out how to see it yet. Then, along came trilobites, the first creatures able to perceive light. It didn't just give them vision; it sparked what’s known as the Cambrian explosion—a period of rapid evolution. This moment in history turned vision from just light detection into something more extraordinary—an active system that combined seeing with doing, leading to intelligence.

Fast forward to today, and that same concept is fueling advancements in AI, especially with “spatial intelligence.”

/What is Spatial Intelligence?

Spatial intelligence is that skill you use when trying to fit all your clothes into a suitcase, park your car in a tight spot, or even figure out how to get somewhere using a map. It’s all about understanding and navigating the 3D world around you. Humans and animals use it to determine where they are, recognize objects, and predict environmental changes.

Our brains look at the geometry of the glass in its 3D space, its relationship with the table, and everything else, and we predict what’s going to happen next. The urge to act is innate to all beings with spatial intelligence, linking perception with action.

In the AI world, spatial intelligence allows systems to navigate self-driving cars, power up robotics, or even make augmented reality (AR) possible. It's not just about seeing things—it's about interacting with and understanding the environment. This is what turns AI from a passive observer into an active participant.

/How Spatial Intelligence is Evolving AI

I was teaching AI to "see" started with computer vision, which is all about helping machines understand visual data. One of the big names in this field is Fei-Fei Li, who played a crucial role in developing ImageNet—a massive database of labeled images that helped AI learn how to identify and classify objects. But just recognizing objects wasn’t enough.

Recent advancements have taken things further. For instance, Google’s algorithms can turn a bunch of photos into a 3D model, helping AI understand the spatial relationships between objects. 

But here’s the real kicker: true spatial intelligence isn’t just about seeing static images. It’s about understanding how things change over time, predicting what will happen next, and making decisions based on that understanding.

One of the most exciting places where spatial intelligence is making waves is in robotics. Robots are increasingly used in complex environments where they must navigate unpredictable situations. Traditional robots work by following a set schedule or responding to specific triggers. However, with spatial intelligence, robots can adapt to changes and perform tasks that require a deep understanding of space.

Fei-Fei Li’s lab is at the forefront of this research. They’ve been working on the Behavior project, which uses 3D spatial models to train robots on tasks like opening drawers or unplugging devices. This is a significant step toward moving robots from simple, repetitive tasks to more complex, adaptive ones.

And here’s where things get interesting: when you combine spatial intelligence with language models, you get robots that can follow verbal instructions to perform tasks that require spatial and linguistic understanding. Think of a robot preparing food using brain signals!

It’s also used in healthcare to improve patient outcomes and reduce provider burnout. For example, smart sensors with spatial intelligence can monitor if healthcare workers are following hygiene protocols, track the use of surgical instruments, or alert staff about potential risks to patients.

Imagine robots that can assist immobile patients, recognizing their needs through direct commands or understanding their surroundings. Fei-Fei Li’s lab has even shown how robots can be controlled using brainwaves, allowing patients with severe paralysis to perform everyday tasks using a non-invasive EEG cap.

/A Future with Spatial Intelligence

Spatial intelligence is opening up new possibilities in a ton of fields, from robotics to healthcare and beyond. But it’s also making us rethink what intelligence means. It’s not just about processing information—it’s about understanding the world and interacting with it dynamically and meaningfully.

As Fei-Fei Li said in her TED talk, "In nature, spatial intelligence has allowed us to become wiser; the true power of AI is unleashed when we can endow these powerful creation machines with spatial intelligence." The future of AI isn’t just about seeing—it’s about understanding and becoming a trusted partner in our journey of discovery, innovation, and making the world a better place.