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QFM037: Machine Intelligence Reading List October 2024
Everything that I found interesting about machines behaving intelligently during October 2024
This month’s edition of the “Machine Intelligence Reading List” looks into recent developments in AI, exploring both the technical boundaries and practical applications of large language models (LLMs) and other machine learning tools. In Apple study exposes deep cracks in LLMs’ “reasoning” capabilities, Apple researchers reveal the limitations of LLMs in performing genuine logical reasoning, underscoring how these models struggle to adapt to minor changes in problem scenarios, often replicating patterns from their training data without true understanding. This raises essential questions about the robustness of LLMs, especially in situations that demand logical inference.
Extending the conversation on reasoning, LLMs, Theory of Mind, and Cheryl’s Birthday by Peter Norvig examines whether LLMs can grasp “theory of mind,” using a classic logic puzzle to test their ability to understand another perspective. Norvig’s findings echo Apple’s study, demonstrating that, while powerful, current LLMs lack the cognitive nuance to handle tasks that humans process intuitively.
On the application side, Headstart Accelerates Software Development by up to 100x with Claude illustrates how LLMs can drive productivity gains in software development. Leveraging Claude, Headstart shortens development timelines, showcasing AI’s potential to reshape how code is generated and delivered in enterprise settings. In another application, A return to hand-written notes by learning to read & write highlights a Google Research model that digitises handwritten notes by capturing the precise pen strokes, rather than relying on OCR. This innovation preserves the natural quality of handwriting, offering an intriguing bridge between traditional and digital workflows.
Finally, automation in career tasks is explored in Automate Your Job Applications with AIHawk’s Auto_Jobs_Applier, where AI is used to streamline the job application process. By auto-generating customised resumes and tailoring applications to match job requirements, this tool seeks to alleviate the often burdensome process of job-seeking, suggesting AI’s role in personalising and…
