3D models made by humans pretending to be AI, we are at a paradox

A recent report by 404 Media highlighted how 2D-to-3D generative tools, developed by AI startup Kaedim, can a wider use of human labor than previously stated. In some cases, it appears that AI output is, even, entirely created by humans.

The company claims that its Artificial Intelligence model is capable of transforming 2D inputs provided by users into 3D models that can be used in games or other productions, thus simplifying an often laborious phase in more complex workflows. The prices of its monthly subscriptions vary from $150, for generating 10 models per month, up to $300 for 20 models per month. Furthermore, the premium “Studio” plan offers the possibility of generating an unlimited number of models, with fast delivery, at a cost of $1,000 per month, also providing personalized support to satisfy the most complex requests.

However, several anonymous sources revealed to 404 that Kaedim actually employs human artists to quickly produce the models, paying them $1 to $4 for each job done. Furthermore, the company requires that each creation be completed within 15 minutes.

Initially, when Kaedim’s job postings for 3D artists surfaced last year, founder and CEO Konstantina Psoma responded with a post on Medium explaining that human artists refine the AI’s output and contribute to the training of the algorithm.

However, after the 404 report, the company has updated its website to more transparently recognize the essential contributions of human workers. Kaedim has announced plans to introduce a fully automated model later this year, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Despite the admission of this human collaboration, internal sources state that some artists worked starting only from the original 2D image, thus creating a 3D model from scratch. This brings up the issue of low-cost manufacturing labor, rather than simple quality control. Currently, outside the company, it is not possible to accurately assess how good Kaedim’s Artificial Intelligence model is but some sources suggest that some of the results produced by the AI ​​are completely unusable.