.png)
January 25, 2025
The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressing rapidly. But how do you actually measure progress and when do we reach the next level, the so-called Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? An unusual proposal is making the rounds: The ultimate test for intelligence is a bouncing ball that has to navigate through complex shapes.
The idea, being discussed on social media, may seem trivial at first. But upon closer inspection, the complexity of the task reveals itself. Steering a ball, subject to physical laws, through an arbitrary, three-dimensional shape requires a deep understanding of physics, geometry, and above all, the ability to translate these concepts into algorithms.
For an AI, this means precisely calculating the trajectory of the ball, predicting collisions with the walls of the shape, and adjusting the speed and angle of the ball after each impact. The more complex the shape, the more difficult the task becomes. A simple square presents a minor challenge, while irregular bodies or even rotating structures pose significant problems for the AI.
The difficulty lies in the combination of various factors. Calculating the collision points requires accurate modeling of the shape. The rotation of the shape adds another layer of complexity, as the position of the walls in space is constantly changing. The AI must be able to capture these changes in real-time and adjust the trajectory of the ball accordingly. Additionally, factors such as friction and energy loss play a role, making the simulation even more realistic.
The application of this "ball test" could have far-reaching consequences for the development of AI. It could serve as a benchmark to compare the progress of different AI systems and reveal weaknesses. The ability to master complex physical simulations is not only relevant for games, but also for areas such as robotics, autonomous driving, and materials science.
An example of the practical implementation of this concept can be found in the programming language p5.js, which is often used for creative coding projects. Here, the simulation of a bouncing ball within a rotating rhombicosidodecahedron can be programmed. The challenge is to correctly implement collision detection and ensure that the ball remains within the body.
Whether the bouncing ball is actually the ultimate test for AGI remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the task is more complex than it appears at first glance and has the potential to drive the development of AI forward. It illustrates that the combination of seemingly simple physical principles with complex geometric shapes presents a demanding challenge for Artificial Intelligence.
Mindverse, a German company, specializes in the development of AI solutions and offers an all-in-one platform for AI text, content, images, and research. From chatbots and voicebots to AI search engines and knowledge systems to customized solutions - Mindverse supports companies in integrating AI into their processes. Overcoming complex challenges, such as simulating a bouncing ball in a three-dimensional shape, is part of Mindverse's area of expertise. With expertise in areas such as Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision, Mindverse offers innovative solutions for the future of AI.
Bibliographie: TechCrunch. "People are benchmarking AI by having it make balls bounce in rotating shapes." January 24, 2025. Reddit. "DM gave us an everbouncing ball, what are fun." Guild Wars 2 Forum. "Keep It Up Achievement." YouTube. "Bouncing Ball Simulation." MathWorks. "MATLAB Bouncing Ball in Box." Stack Overflow. "How do I create collision detections for my bouncing balls?" GDevelop Forum. "Physics 2.0 - Ball hugging the wall after bounce." Stack Overflow. "How to calculate bounce angle"