British scientists working on artificial intelligence have for the first time ever taught a computer to (actually) create magic tricks.
Researchers working at Queen Mary University of London gave a computer program the outline of how a magic jigsaw puzzle and a mind reading card trick work, as well the results of experiments into how humans understand magic tricks. The system then successfully created completely new variants on those tricks which can be delivered by a magician.
The magic tricks created were of the type that use mathematical techniques rather than tricks of legerdemain and are a core part of many magicians’ repertoires. The tricks proved popular with audiences and the magic puzzle was put on sale in a London magic shop. The card trick is available as an app called Phoney in the Google Play Store.
