In the maze, DeepMind is rewarded for finding apples and portals as it attempts to get a high score in just one minute. DeepMind moves around the labyrinth via a reward-based method -- asynchronous reinforcement learning -- and a neural network that recognizes patterns in the digital space. Yep, DeepMind actually learns from its past experiences. However, the asynchronous method doesn't rely on examining previous run-throughs, a process that takes a ton of computing power. Instead, asynchronous reinforcement learning allows the system to see multiple outcomes at once and choose the most efficient path forward.

Google DeepMind used a similar reinforcement learning method in 2015 to play a handful of classic Atari games. The team has since improved and streamlined that program, allowing the AI to advance to the latest Doom-like maze.