Google DeepMind has announced a new system that can simulate the real world more interactively in a digital environment by combining its AI-powered world model project, Genie, with Street View data. The integration, introduced at the Google I/O 2026 event, allows users not only to view street images but also to dynamically experience these environments.
Not for Humans, But for Robots
According to the company's statements, the new system can change weather conditions, display different seasonal scenarios, and simulate specific situations when creating digital simulations of real streets. Users, for example, will be able to examine the appearance of a street in New York in snowy weather or see the effects of specific environmental conditions on the surroundings.
According to Google, while this technology is beneficial for humans, its true potential lies in robotic systems. The system is critically important for simulating rare real-world situations.
Over 280 Billion Images Transferred to AI
One of Google's biggest advantages in this project was its Street View archive, collected over approximately 20 years. The company has gathered over 280 billion images in 110 countries and seven continents using vehicles equipped with camera systems and specialized carrying equipment.
The DeepMind team believes that the combination of this data pool with Genie's simulation capabilities marks a significant leap in creating real-world-based digital environments. It was stated that Street View data offers AI the opportunity to model the physical world more comprehensively.
Based on Genie 3
Google first introduced its Genie 3 model as a research preview last year. Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US have been able to use the system since January. The technology can create interactive digital worlds via written commands or images.
The company's goals include educational experiences, game development processes, and robot training. It was also announced that Genie 3 is already being used in some of Waymo's driving simulators.
The Street View integration is expected to offer new advantages to Waymo at this point. This is because existing vehicle simulators only generate data from an automobile's perspective, whereas Genie allows for different viewpoints, such as human or robot perspectives. This enables the creation of more comprehensive digital copies of real cities.
On the other hand, the system is still in an experimental stage. It has not yet reached the desired level of accuracy and quality. According to Google officials, the model has not yet fully understood and learned the laws of physics.
Google's video production models like Veo are more successful in adhering to physical laws. According to the company, world model technology is approximately six to 12 months behind video production models in terms of accuracy and quality. However, this gap is closing rapidly.
Google has opened access to Street View-powered Genie to some AI Ultra users in the US as of today. The company plans to provide access to more users globally in the coming weeks.
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