Project Q-Star by OpenAI
What is it?
Project Q-Star, often referred to as Q*, is an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm developed by OpenAI. It has been reported to be capable of solving simple math problems that were not part of its training material, which some researchers see as a significant step towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) [2]. AGI is defined by OpenAI as AI systems that are smarter than humans[3][10].
The development of Q-Star was led by OpenAI’s chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, and built upon by researchers Jakub Pachocki and Szymon Sidor[2]. The algorithm’s ability to solve math problems autonomously, even though these problems were not part of its training data set, has been seen as a breakthrough in the field of AI[2][5].
The project has been linked to the temporary ousting of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Prior to Altman’s departure, a group of the company’s researchers reportedly sent a letter to the board of directors warning of an AI discovery that could pose a threat to humanity[5][7]. This letter, which reportedly discussed the Q-Star algorithm, was cited as one of the factors leading to Altman’s dismissal[5][7].
However, the specifics of Q-Star’s capabilities and the potential risks it may pose are not fully known, as the details have not been publicly disclosed[2][5][7].
Sources
[1] What Is Project Q* That May Have Been a Factor in Altman’s Firing From OpenAI https://www.gadgets360.com/internet/features/what-is-project-q-that-may-have-been-a-factor-in-altman-s-firing-from-openai-4600775
[2] OpenAI researchers reportedly warned internally about breakthrough AI discovery «Q-Star» https://the-decoder.com/openai-researchers-reportedly-warned-internally-about-breakthrough-ai-discovery-q-star/
[3] What is Q*? And when we will hear more? – Community – OpenAI Developer Forum https://community.openai.com/t/what-is-q-and-when-we-will-hear-more/521343
[4] Is project Q for real or they’re just doing this to raise investment? Either way it’s scary – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/OpenAI/comments/181ze7w/is_project_q_for_real_or_theyre_just_doing_this/
[5] OpenAI board of directors warned secret Q* project could threaten humanity before CEO Sam Altman’s ouster – source | Newshub https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2023/11/openai-board-of-directors-warned-secret-q-project-could-threaten-humanity-before-ceo-sam-altman-s-ouster-source.html
[6] OpenAI Made an AI Breakthrough Before Altman Firing, Stoking Excitement and Concern https://www.theinformation.com/articles/openai-made-an-ai-breakthrough-before-altman-firing-stoking-excitement-and-concern
[7] Breaking: OpenAI Q-Star Reportedly Led To Sam Altman’s Layoff – Dataconomy https://dataconomy.com/2023/11/23/openai-q-star-sam-altman/
[8] Q-STAR: Advocating quantum technology in the business world – Innovation News Network https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/q-star-advocating-quantum-technology-business-world/40272/
[9] Exclusive: Sam Altman’s ouster at OpenAI was precipitated by letter to board about AI breakthrough -sources : r/singularity – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/singularity/comments/181mk93/exclusive_sam_altmans_ouster_at_openai_was/
[10] OpenAI researchers warned board of AI breakthrough ahead of CEO ouster – CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/22/sam-altmans-ouster-at-openai-precipitated-by-letter-to-board-about-ai-breakthrough-sources-tell-reuters.html
[11] PlayStation announces new handheld Project Q, but there’s a catch – Digital Spy https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a44000172/playstation-project-q-handheld/
[12] Project (a) vs. Q Star Tour – Golf Balls – Golfwrx Forums https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/1592250-project-a-vs-q-star-tour/
[13] Q star – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_star
[14] Technology Partners https://www.qstar.com/technology-partners/
[15] Artificial General Intelligence is Upon Us, and it’s Time to Prepare – Hacked.com https://hacked.com/artificial-general-intelligence-is-upon-us-and-its-time-to-prepare/
[16] My Golf Spy Ball Lab Report-QStar Tour – MyGolfSpy Forum https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/41510-my-golf-spy-ball-lab-report-qstar-tour/
and Why?
Project Q-Star, developed by OpenAI, is an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that has demonstrated the ability to solve simple math problems that were not part of its training material. This capability is seen by some researchers as a significant step towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), defined by OpenAI as AI systems that are smarter than humans[1][3].
The purpose of Project Q-Star is to advance the field of AI by developing an algorithm that can autonomously solve problems outside of its training data set. This is seen as a breakthrough in AI, as it demonstrates the algorithm’s ability to generalize its learning to new, unseen problems[1][2].
The algorithm is built upon the principles of Q-learning, a type of reinforcement learning algorithm, and possibly A* search algorithm, a heuristic-based pathfinding algorithm. This combination could potentially give the AI «future sight» into the optimal next step, saving it a lot of effort and enabling it to navigate complex problems without running into typical obstacles[2][4].
Q-Star’s capabilities have far-reaching implications across various fields. It can assist researchers in solving complex mathematical equations, aid businesses in optimizing processes and making data-driven decisions, and play a crucial role in environmental science and conservation efforts[5].
However, it’s important to note that the specifics of Q-Star’s capabilities and the potential risks it may pose are not fully known, as the details have not been publicly disclosed[1].
Sources
[1] OpenAI researchers reportedly warned internally about breakthrough AI discovery «Q-Star» https://the-decoder.com/openai-researchers-reportedly-warned-internally-about-breakthrough-ai-discovery-q-star/
[2] Ask HN: What is Q* (Q star) at OpenAI and how does it threaten humanity | Hacker News https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38394885
[3] OpenAI board of directors warned secret Q* project could threaten humanity before CEO Sam Altman’s ouster – source | Newshub https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2023/11/openai-board-of-directors-warned-secret-q-project-could-threaten-humanity-before-ceo-sam-altman-s-ouster-source.html
[4] OpenAI Q Star Could Have a Mostly Automated and Scalable Way to Improve https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2023/11/openai-q-star-could-have-a-mostly-automated-and-scalable-way-to-improve.html
[5] How to Use Q star AI And Its Safety: A Detailed Overview https://aitoolmall.com/news/how-to-use-q-star-ai-and-its-safety/
[6] What is Q*? And when we will hear more? – Community – OpenAI Developer Forum https://community.openai.com/t/what-is-q-and-when-we-will-hear-more/521343
[7] Q-STAR: Advocating quantum technology in the business world – Innovation News Network https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/q-star-advocating-quantum-technology-business-world/40272/
[8] What is Q*? And when we will hear more? – Community – OpenAI Developer Forum https://community.openai.com/t/what-is-q-and-when-we-will-hear-more/521343?page=2
[9] OpenAI researchers warned board of AI breakthrough ahead of CEO ouster – CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/22/sam-altmans-ouster-at-openai-precipitated-by-letter-to-board-about-ai-breakthrough-sources-tell-reuters.html
[10] What is Q*? Speculation on how OpenAI’s Q* works and why this is a critical step towards AGI – YouTube https://youtube.com/watch?v=T1RuUw019vA
[11] Report: OpenAI board’s ouster of Sam Altman followed potential AGI breakthrough https://siliconangle.com/2023/11/23/report-openai-boards-ouster-sam-altman-followed-potential-agi-breakthrough/
[12] What are Q-Learning and Q*? – OpenAI’s secret AI models – PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com/ai/q-learning-openai/
