A new AI acquired humanlike ‘number sense’ on its own

The neural network developed 'number neurons' similar to those in animal brains

number sense

NUMBER KNOWLEDGE  When trained to recognize objects in images, artificial intelligence can develop a “number sense” uncannily similar to our own.

iMrSquid/Getty Images Plus

Artificial intelligence can share our natural ability to make numeric snap judgments.

Researchers observed this knack for numbers in a computer model composed of virtual brain cells, or neurons, called an artificial neural network. After being trained merely to identify objects in images — a common task for AI — the network developed virtual neurons that respond to specific quantities.