Rumor: OpenAI Q* is general AI that can solve math problems independently

OpenAI is said to be working on a model that can independently solve mathematical problems and surpass humans in tasks that are economically valuable. The development of the model led to the resignation of director and founder Sam Altman last week.

Altman hinted at such a development during his developer conference last week. The project is called Q*, pronounced Q Star, reports Reuters. Also The Information states that the breakthrough in AI research has led to the dismissal of director Sam Altman. After major protests among employees, Altman has returned since Wednesday.

Q* can solve mathematical problems independently with a large amount of computing power, something that current models are often unable to do. With this, OpenAI would take a big step towards general artificial intelligence, or AGI. That’s the concept where an AI model is better at most economically valuable tasks than humans.

The project has caused the split within OpenAI. Some people argue for a brake on AI development, because it would have the potential to destroy humanity. That idea, part of effective altruism, is splitting Silicon Valley, reports The Wall Street Journal. Some believe in it, others do not and want to further develop AI systems as quickly as possible.