# Deep Learning

> Deep learning is a subset of machine learning using artificial neural networks with multiple layers.

Source: https://metavert.io/deep-learning  
Published: 2026-01-22  
Updated: 2026-03-10

**Deep learning** is a subset of [machine learning](https://metavert.io/artificial-intelligence) that uses artificial neural networks with multiple layers to progressively extract higher-level features from raw input. It is the foundational technology behind [large language models](https://metavert.io/large-language-models), image generators, speech recognition, and autonomous systems.

The transformer architecture, introduced in 2017, triggered the deep learning revolution that continues to accelerate. The original GPT worked with 110 million parameters; by 2026, frontier models operate with hundreds of billions to over a trillion parameters while becoming dramatically more efficient. The cost of AI inference has dropped 92% in three years, from $30 per million tokens to $0.10-2.50, making deep learning capabilities accessible to individual developers and small teams.

Deep learning now powers virtually every layer of the technology stack. [Computer vision](https://metavert.io/computer-vision) models detect objects, generate images, and understand video in real time. [Natural language processing](https://metavert.io/natural-language-processing) models write code, analyze documents, and hold extended conversations. Multimodal models process text, images, audio, and video simultaneously. [Foundation models](https://metavert.io/foundation-models) trained on broad datasets can be fine-tuned or prompted for thousands of specialized tasks without retraining.

The frontier has shifted from bigger models to smarter architectures. Mixture-of-experts models activate only relevant subnetworks per query, reducing compute costs. Distillation compresses large model capabilities into smaller, faster versions. On-device deep learning runs on smartphones and [smart glasses](https://metavert.io/smart-glasses). The [open-source AI](https://metavert.io/open-source-ai) movement—led by models like DeepSeek, Llama, and Mistral—has democratized access to frontier-quality deep learning, forcing price competition and accelerating innovation across the entire ecosystem.

## Related Topics

- [Artificial Intelligence](https://metavert.io/artificial-intelligence)
- [Large Language Models](https://metavert.io/large-language-models)
- [Foundation Models](https://metavert.io/foundation-models)
- [Generative AI](https://metavert.io/generative-ai)
- [Transformer Architecture](https://metavert.io/transformer-architecture)
- [Computer Vision](https://metavert.io/computer-vision)
- [Natural Language Processing](https://metavert.io/natural-language-processing)
- [GPU Computing](https://metavert.io/gpu-computing) [AI Inference Infrastructure](https://metavert.io/ai-inference-infrastructure)

## Further Reading

- [The State of AI Agents in 2026](https://meditations.metavert.io/p/the-state-of-ai-agents-in-2026)
- [The Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence](https://meditations.metavert.io/building-the-metaverse/the-metaverse-and-artificial-intelligence-ai-577343895411)