Artificial Intelligence Can Create Its Own Magic Tricks (VIDEO)

There may be a new way to create magic tricks--by using artificial intelligence. Scientists have taught a computer to create magic tricks.

The scientists gave a computer program the outline of how a magic jigsaw puzzle and a mind reading card trick work. They also gave the program the results of experiments into how humans understand magic tricks. With these variables, the computer created completely new variants on these tricks which could be delivered by a magician.

"Computer intelligence can process much larger amounts of information and run through all the possible outcomes in a way that is almost impossible for a person to do on their own," said Howard Williams, co-creator of the project, in a news release. "So while a member of the audience might have seen a variation on this trick before, the AI can now us psychological and mathematical principles to create lots of different versions and keep audiences guessing."

The magic tricks that were created were the type that use mathematical techniques rather than sleight of hand or other theatrics. These tricks are a core part of magicians' repertoires.

"Using AI to create magic tricks is a great way to demonstrate the possibilities of computer intelligence and it also forms a part of our research in to the psychology of being a spectator," said Peter McOwan, who worked on the project. "For example, we suspected that audiences would be suspicious of the involvement of technology in the delivery of a trick but we found out that isn't the case."

The findings reveal the versatility of AI. Not only that, but it shows that technology can be used for new applications, such as magic tricks.

The findings are published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.