Project Introduction: MultiPLY
MultiPLY is an innovative project that focuses on creating a unique type of large language model (LLM) capable of interacting within a 3D environment. Unlike traditional language models, MultiPLY is designed to engage with objects in its surroundings using multiple senses, which include vision, sound, touch, and temperature. This multisensory approach allows the model to gather diverse and dynamic information, creating a rich understanding that goes beyond mere text processing.
Objective
The main goal of MultiPLY is to bridge the gap between words, actions, and perceptions. By integrating multisensory data, the model can establish meaningful connections between language and physical interactions, thereby enhancing its ability to understand and generate language based on real-world experiences.
Methodology
In order to achieve this, MultiPLY first captures an abstract representation of a scene focused on the objects present. The model then uncovers detailed sensory information about these objects by performing specific actions and interacting with them. For instance, upon seeing an object, the model might decide to "touch" it to gather tactile information or "listen" to detect any auditory cues. The results of these interactions are then fed back into the language model, enriching its database with state tokens that reflect the new information gained.
Technology and Training
The training of MultiPLY employs a sophisticated process known as FSDP (Fully Sharded Data Parallel), which is optimized for use across different computational clusters. This process allows for efficient handling and processing of the extensive datasets required by the project, ensuring that the model can learn and adapt to varied sensory inputs effectively.
Future Development
While the project already showcases a robust framework, certain areas like Dataset Curation and specific Requirements are still under ongoing development, referred to as "TODO" in the project documentation. These aspects will likely evolve as the project progresses, contributing further to the model's capabilities.
Contributions and Citation
The project is a collaborative effort by researchers including Yining Hong, Zishuo Zheng, Peihao Chen, Yian Wang, Junyan Li, Zhenfang Chen, and Chuang Gan. Their work represents a pioneering step in the field of multisensory language models, aiming to create technology that mimics human-like understanding and interaction in a digital world.
For those interested in exploring the academic and technical depths of the project, the paper is available on arXiv under the title "MultiPLY: A Multisensory Object-Centric Embodied Large Language Model in 3D World".
This introduction provides an overview of MultiPLY, highlighting its cutting-edge approach to combining multisensory perception with language modeling in a 3D environment. The development and application of such technology have the potential to vastly improve how language models interact with and understand the world around them.