Three questions for Felix Gross

At the GDNÄ Science Slam “Science in 5 Minutes”, Felix Gross came in second with his presentation on pattern recognition using artificial intelligence. The 17-year-old attends the Marienschule in Bielefeld, where he is taking advanced courses in mathematics and computer science and is aiming to graduate next year. His topic in the Science Slam was “Seeing without understanding – how AI interprets images”.

Can you describe your topic in a few sentences?
I presented the way in which convolutional neural networks, or CNNs for short, work. This allows certain patterns to be recognized in images, for example numbers, such as perceiving a three. Specifically, I use this method to improve chess robots. Currently, the robots don’t allow their opponent a break, even in difficult positions. My program ensures that the robot waits a little with the next move, namely for the length of time that a human usually needs to think.

How did you come up with the topic?
It just developed over time. As a child, I was already interested in robots. I have always been fascinated by things that do something independently. A year ago, I started working on the topic of chess.

What are you planning to do next?
I’m currently applying to the German national artificial intelligence competition with my program. After graduating from high school, I would like to study computer science – I don’t know yet where. After that, I want to work in AI research. If that doesn’t work out, I can also imagine taking a job in the business world.

Professorin Eva-Maria Neher © Universität Göttingen/Peter Heller

© GDNÄ

At the GDNÄ Science Slam “Science in 5 Minutes”, 17-year-old Felix Gross came in second with his presentation on pattern recognition using artificial intelligence.