AI Startup Invents Trick For Robots To More Efficiently Teach Themselves Complex Tasks

Google-owned DeepMind uses sophisticated computer simulations for computers to teach themselves how to accomplish certain tasks. The simulated training, known as reinforcement learning, involves the computer trying out thousands (or millions) of different things until it manages to figure out what to do. Using this approach combined with deep learning, the London-based artificial intelligence research unit is teaching computers how to beat the world's best Go players and training robots how to move around in the world. A tiny Berkeley, California-based AI startup, Bonsai, has invented a trick to beat DeepMind in this game. The trick -- the company is calling it "concept networks" -- massively increases the efficiency of reinforcement learning.