Quest for Intelligence
Quest for Intelligence

Enabling small language models to solve complex reasoning tasks

The “self-steering” DisCIPL system directs small models to work together on tasks with constraints, like itinerary planning and budgeting.

MIT tool visualizes and edits “physically impossible” objects

By visualizing Escher-like optical illusions in 2.5 dimensions, the “Meschers” tool could help scientists understand physics-defying shapes and spark new designs.

The unique, mathematical shortcuts language models use to predict dynamic scenarios

Language models follow changing situations using clever arithmetic, instead of sequential tracking. By controlling when these approaches are used, engineers could improve the systems’ capabilities.

Teaching a robot its limits, to complete open-ended tasks safely

The “PRoC3S” method helps an LLM create a viable action plan by testing each step in a simulation. This strategy could eventually aid in-home robots to complete more ambiguous chore requests.

Making it easier to verify an AI model’s responses

By allowing users to clearly see data referenced by a large language model, this tool speeds manual validation to help users spot AI errors.

Helping robots practice skills independently to adapt to unfamiliar environments

New algorithm helps robots practice skills like sweeping and placing objects, potentially helping them improve at important tasks in houses, hospitals, and factories.

Reasoning skills of large language models are often overestimated

New CSAIL research highlights how LLMs excel in familiar scenarios but struggle in novel ones, questioning their true reasoning abilities versus reliance on memorization.

Natural language boosts LLM performance in coding, planning, and robotics

Three neurosymbolic methods help language models find better abstractions within natural language, then use those representations to execute complex tasks.

A crossroads for computing at MIT

The MIT Schwarzman College of Computing building will form a new cluster of connectivity across a spectrum of disciplines in computing and artificial intelligence.

New technique helps robots pack objects into a tight space

Researchers coaxed a family of generative AI models to work together to solve multistep robot manipulation problems.