Stability AI
the innovative force behind the text-to-image AI model Stable Diffusion, is setting its sights on the burgeoning realm of generative AI dedicated to 3D model creation. Their latest offering, Stable 3D, represents an AI-driven application tailored to craft textured 3D objects, tailored to seamlessly integrate with modeling and game development platforms like Blender, Maya, Unreal Engine, and Unity.
As of now, Stable 3D is available through a private preview, accessible exclusively to select customers who reach out to Stability AI directly via their contact form. What sets Stable 3D apart is its aim to empower even those without extensive expertise to rapidly produce 3D models of “draft-quality.” Stability AI asserts that this innovation will revolutionize the typically intricate and time-consuming process of 3D content creation. Traditionally, creating even a moderately complex 3D object could be a painstaking, time-consuming process spanning hours, or even days. With Stable 3D, it becomes possible for independent designers, artists, and developers to generate a multitude of 3D objects daily, all at a significantly reduced cost.
The capabilities of Stable 3D shine through its ability to rival other model-generating tools in the market. Users are provided with the option to describe the 3D model they have in mind in natural language or to upload an existing image or illustration for seamless conversion into a 3D model. Notably, Stable 3D produces these models in the “.obj” file format, a universally accepted format that facilitates further editing and manipulation, compatible with most standard 3D modeling tools.
A vital consideration for commercial users
however, revolves around the data that underpins Stable 3D’s training. Generative AI models often raise concerns of potential copyright violations, a point of contention that has previously led to legal action against Stability AI. Getty and several artists sued the company, alleging unauthorized use of their images to train Stable Diffusion without proper notification or compensation.
Although Stability AI has recently collaborated with Spawning, a startup committed to addressing “opt-out” requests from artists, it remains uncertain whether this partnership extends to encompass the training data for Stable 3D. For further clarity on this matter, we have reached out to Stability AI and await their response, with updates to follow.
Looking beyond potential legal challenges, Stable 3D signifies Stability AI‘s foray into the highly competitive domain of AI-driven 3D model generation. This field already boasts established platforms such as 3DFY and Scenario, along with the presence of startups like Kaedim, Auctoria, Mirage, Luma, and Hypothetic. Even industry giants like Autodesk and Nvidia have entered this arena, each offering unique tools like Get3D and ClipForge. Tech titans Meta and OpenAI have also ventured into the creation of 3D assets, further intensifying the competition.
Stable 3D underscores Stability AI’s strategic drive to diversify its business and adapt to the evolving landscape, where fierce competition from generative AI platforms in art creation, including Midjourney and OpenAI, has become the norm. It is worth noting that Stability AI has grappled with financial challenges in the past, prompting initiatives to bolster sales and secure its future. The recent achievement of securing $25 million through a convertible note elevates its financial resources to over $125 million. However, the quest for funding at a valuation higher than the previous $1 billion persists, despite aspirations of a substantial increase in the coming months.
As part of its ongoing efforts to distinguish itself and stimulate sales, Stability AI has unveiled an array of new features for its online AI-powered photo editing suite. These include a model fine-tuning feature, enabling users to personalize art-generating models, and a “sky replacer” tool that offers seamless sky color and aesthetics substitution in photos using preset alternatives
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