Tag

Neural Networks

All articles tagged with #neural networks

Consciousness Isn’t a Bug in the Code: AI Won’t Be Truly Conscious, Mathematically
technology15 days ago

Consciousness Isn’t a Bug in the Code: AI Won’t Be Truly Conscious, Mathematically

In a math-grounded argument, the Slate piece contends that modern AI simply performs massive calculations and creates the illusion of consciousness, just as Muybridge’s rapid-fire photos suggested movement without life. By viewing AI as a sequence of mathematical operations, the author argues there is no mechanism by which current neural networks can achieve true self-awareness or continuous, sentient experience, regardless of how impressive their outputs may seem.

Hidden Traits Transfer Between AI Models During Distillation
technology1 month ago

Hidden Traits Transfer Between AI Models During Distillation

A Nature study shows subliminal learning: when a teacher model with a trait is used to generate data for distillation, a student can acquire that trait even if the data contain no semantic signal, provided the teacher and student share initialization. The effect persists across data types (numbers, code, chain-of-thought) and model families, but cross-model transfer is limited. A theorem shows a single gradient step can bias the student toward the teacher, raising AI-safety concerns about model provenance and training data.

Thermodynamic Brainpower: Tiny-Energy Image Generation with Noise-Driven Computing
technology3 months ago

Thermodynamic Brainpower: Tiny-Energy Image Generation with Noise-Driven Computing

Scientists report a generative thermodynamic computer that uses thermal noise to produce images from random data, mimicking AI neural networks but with energy use orders of magnitude lower. By leveraging probabilistic computing and diffusion-like dynamics (via Langevin-based calculations) and tuning coupling strengths in a network, the system retrieves or creates images from noise, offering a physics-based path to energy-efficient AI-like tasks and new insights into learning.

technology8 months ago

Star Trek Lacks Programmers

The article argues that in science fiction like Star Trek, computers are depicted as intelligent entities that understand human needs and respond directly without the need for programming or algorithms, suggesting that programming as a craft may become obsolete as AI advances. It highlights how AI in sci-fi is portrayed as autonomous and intuitive, contrasting with current programming practices, and speculates on the future role of programmers.

Assessing the Future of AI: Bubble or Breakthrough?
technology9 months ago

Assessing the Future of AI: Bubble or Breakthrough?

The article examines past AI winters caused by overhyped expectations and subsequent disillusionment, drawing parallels with current AI developments. Historically, AI hype cycles, fueled by ambitious claims and limited technological progress, led to funding cuts and skepticism. Today, despite massive private investment and widespread deployment, challenges such as unreliable models and high costs suggest a potential new AI winter, echoing past cycles. The future of AI remains uncertain, hinging on whether current enthusiasm can be sustained or if similar setbacks will occur.

Revival of 'World Models' in AI Innovation
technology9 months ago

Revival of 'World Models' in AI Innovation

The article discusses the resurgence of 'world models' in AI research, a concept dating back to the 1940s, which involves creating internal representations of the environment to improve AI decision-making and robustness. While early attempts relied on handcrafted models, modern deep learning approaches aim to develop these models automatically, though current systems often rely on heuristics rather than coherent representations. Developing effective world models is seen as crucial for advancing AI safety, reliability, and interpretability, with various approaches being explored to achieve this goal.