Subscribe now

Technology

Human scientists are still better than AI ones – for now

A simulator for the process of scientific discovery shows that AI models still fall short of human scientists and engineers in coming up with hypotheses and carrying out experiments on their own

By Jeremy Hsu

15 October 2024

How do AI scientists stack up to human ones?

Imaginima/Getty Images

Human scientists and engineers can still outperform artificial intelligence models in a game that mimics the process of scientific discovery. But this simulation could ultimately help researchers develop AI agents that can outcompete humans.

AI models are developing a reputation for science discovery – they can, for instance, predict how protein molecules will interact – but they still perform best when trained to solve a particular type of problem. The game-like DiscoveryWorld simulator, developed by Peter Jansen at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Washington state and his colleagues,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Unlock this article

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account