Watch an AI Play Through Super Mario Bros.

YouTuber SethBling has created an artificial intelligence designed to learn how to play Nintendo's original Super Mario Bros. on a NES emulator.

The program, known as MarI/O, is made of neural networks and genetic algorithms that will help the AI learn new behaviour in order to progress in the game using a mathematical method. SethBling has published a video explaining exactly how it works right here.

The problem is this AI still isn't perfect enough to beat the second level. In fact, it's been stuck on World 1-2 for over a week. It usually gets stuck on the pipe or staircase at the very end.

Despite this repetition, there's a somewhat calming mood about watching it to the beat of classic tunes from old Nintendo games. You still end up rooting for it and hoping it'll one day reach the flagpole.

Here is a link to the stream.