DeepMind creates 'imaginative' AI that can create and plan
DeepMind creates 'imaginative' AI that can create and
plan
BY JAMES WALKER JUL 27, 2017
Google-owned DeepMind has announced an AI agent that is
capable of "imagining" things and planning how to complete future
tasks. The development brings fully autonomous AI a step closer by addressing
one of the major shortcomings of current systems.
Computers are excellent problem solvers that can perform
calculations at rates far in excess of the human brain. However, humans retain
the upper hand in creativity and imagination. We can reason with ourselves,
develop plans and think of abstract concepts that can't be defined.
In a blog post this week, DeepMind said it has been able
to develop an AI that can "imagine" and "reason about" the
future. The company added it has seen "tremendous results" with the
system by giving AI agents the ability to interpret their internal simulations.
Handing the agent introspection abilities gives it the
ability of questioning its own actions, in the same way humans do. This leads
directly to the ability to learn strategies and make plans. The result is
improved adaptability to new scenarios which can't necessarily be solved using
logic alone.
The AI's reward network is programmed to recognise
efficiency as well as logical performance. Contemplating the outcome of
completing a specific action could allow the AI to recognise inefficiencies in
its plan that it would otherwise ignore. It generates an interpretation of the
scenario that more closely mimics a human approach.
DeepMind illustrated the significance of the development
using a simple example. If a human is tasked with moving a glass, they'll place
it away from the edge of a table. This ensures it's stable and won't
accidentally fall on the floor. An AI could interpret the task differently. It
may leave the glass closer to the edge so it can quickly pick it up later,
without thinking of the potential consequences.
DeepMind's breakthrough development allows the agent to
consider the possibility that the glass may fall. The agent would interpret the
scenario similarly to a human, placing the glass in the centre of the table.
DeepMind's also seen bots succeed in using their imagination when playing
several puzzle games.
Implementing imagination in artificial intelligence has
previously proved to be a challenge. Modern AI still tackles problems using a
predominantly logic-driven approach. This leads to exceptional problem-solving
abilities but doesn't offer an accurate representation of human thought.
Last week, DeepMind founder Dennis Hassabis explained the
need for AI agents to possess an imagination. He called for greater cooperation
between AI and neuroscience researchers, noting that artificial intelligence
should be modelled on how the human brain operates.
While we're still a long way from machines with human
levels of intelligence, DeepMind's new development is nonetheless significant.
However, the company warned that its tests were conducted in closed
"perfect" environments and aren't representative of real world
performance. It joined the calls for more research in the area, describing the
need for AI imagination as a "must" for the future.
"If our algorithms are to develop equally
sophisticated behaviours, they too must have the capability to ‘imagine’ and
reason about the future. Beyond that they must be able to construct a plan
using this knowledge," DeepMind said. "But the real world is complex,
rules are not so clearly defined and unpredictable problems often arise. Being
able to deal with imperfect models and learning to adapt a planning strategy to
current state are important research questions."
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