Some Meta insiders fear that the company's artificial intelligence research lab, FAIR (Facebook AI Research), is "dying a slow death" as Joelle Pineau exits. However, Meta's chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, sees it differently, calling it "a new beginning" and a shift toward "Advanced Machine Intelligence" (AMI). FAIR, established in 2013, has been a cornerstone of Meta's (formerly Facebook) AI strategy. The lab aims to advance fundamental AI technologies and share its breakthroughs with the global research community. Over the years, FAIR has made significant contributions, particularly in natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning. One of its most notable achievements is the development of PyTorch, an open-source deep learning framework that has greatly expanded the accessibility and application of AI technology. However, recent internal changes have raised concerns about FAIR's future. In early April, Deputy Director Joelle Pineau announced her departure to Google DeepMind. Prior to this, several key researchers had already left, joining other tech giants or startup ventures. Pineau's exit is particularly significant, given her technical expertise and her role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the lab. According to internal staff, FAIR has gradually lost its focus on cutting-edge research over the past few years. Instead, the lab has shifted more towards commercial applications, such as enhancing content moderation and optimizing ad recommendation systems. This transition has left some researchers feeling that the lab's original mission is being compromised. They fear that the talent drain could undermine FAIR's position as a leader in AI. In response to these concerns, Yann LeCun published a blog post on April 10, reaffirming FAIR's commitment to fundamental research. He announced that the lab would be renamed to "Advanced Machine Intelligence" (AMI), signaling a renewed emphasis on solving complex problems, including climate change and healthcare. LeCun also highlighted Meta's plans to increase investment in AI, expand the research team, and strengthen ties with the academic community to regain its pioneering status in the field. Industry experts view FAIR's reorganization and rebranding as a necessary step for Meta to adapt to the current competitive landscape in AI. This shift indicates the company's intent to balance commercial applications with foundational research. While Pineau's departure is a setback, LeCun's leadership and strategic vision could revitalize the lab and ensure it remains competitive. Meta, a global tech leader, operates popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as well as the virtual reality company Oculus. As a major player in the tech industry, any changes in Meta's AI research are closely watched. The transformation of FAIR into AMI is seen as a strategic move to stay at the forefront of AI development, addressing both commercial and technological challenges. The rebranding to AMI reflects a more future-oriented and versatile approach to AI research, with a focus on advanced intelligence and real-world problem-solving. This new direction, combined with increased investment and a broader research scope, could help AMI regain the momentum and innovation that made FAIR a standout in the AI community.♠