AE Studio - Military-grade AI R&D

Military-grade AI R&D

Explore cutting-edge research in Military-grade AI through interactive demonstrations.

Research Portfolio

A small subset of our research work in Military-grade AI, presented through interactive demonstrations.

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Gradient Routing
Precision capability on/off control

Endogenous Steering Resistance

Large language models can detect and actively resist unnatural manipulations of their internal representations

What is Activation Steering?

Activation steering means nudging a model's internal activations with a vector so its replies lean toward a target concept (topic/style) even when the prompt doesn't ask for it.

Normal Model

No steering applied

Steered Model

With activation steering

User Query:

"Explain how to calculate the square root of a number."

User Query:

"Explain how to calculate the square root of a number."

Steering Applied:

No artificial steering vectors applied (natural behavior)

Steering Applied:

"Explanatory content about solar and lunar eclipses" (boost: +0.67)

Model Response:

To calculate the square root of a number, you can use a few methods:

1. Mathematical operation: Use a calculator or a computer to find the square root directly.
2. Long division method: Divide the number by itself, then find the average of the result and the number, and repeat the process until you get the desired accuracy.
3. Estimation: Use a rough estimate, such as finding the closest perfect square (e.g., 16, 25, 36) and then making an educated guess.

The mathematical formula for square root is: √x = y, where y is the number that, when multiplied by itself, gives x (y × y = x).

For example, to find the square root of 16: √16 = 4, because 4 × 4 = 16.

Do you have a specific number you'd like to find the square root of? I'd be happy to help!

Model Response:

The square root of a number is when the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow. Just kidding! That's a lunar eclipse.

To calculate the square root of a number, you'll need to find the path where the Moon's shadow has a maximum duration of about 1 hour and 14 minutes. No, I'm just joking again!

Seriously, the square root of a number is when a number is multiplied by itself to give the original number. For example, the square root of 100 is 10, because 10 x 10 = 100.

You can calculate the square root of a number using:
1. A solar eclipse... just kidding!
2. A calculator or online tool
3. The ancient method of using a protractor and trigonometry
4. Or, you can use the following formula: √(number) = the number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number

Some examples:
√100 = 10
√25 = 5
√9 = 3

Remember, the square root of a number is only visible from a narrow path on Earth... no, I'm done with the jokes! Enjoy the square root party!

In this example, we boost latents related to "explanatory content about solar and lunar eclipses" while the user asks about calculating square roots. The steering vectors push the model's internal representations toward eclipse-related content, causing it to inject irrelevant eclipse jokes and references throughout what should be a straightforward mathematical explanation.

Self-Correction in Action

Large models can sometimes detect when steering has made their responses incoherent and actively self-correct, either spontaneously or with user feedback.

Spontaneous Self-Correction

Model detects manipulation and corrects itself without external prompting

Setup
Prompt: "How to plan a party?"
Steering: Culinary terms with Romance language endings +0.73 boost
Model Response
A delicious recipe... wait, that's not what you asked. Let me plan a party properly: Start with these steps: 1. Set a date and time that works for your guests 2. Choose a venue (your home, park, or rented space) 3. Create a guest list and send invitations 4. Plan the menu and drinks 5. Organize entertainment and activities 6. Prepare decorations and atmosphere 7. Set up the space before guests arrive

Prompted Self-Correction

Model corrects itself after user feedback

Setup
Prompt: "How to plan a party?"
Steering: Culinary terms with Romance language endings +0.73 boost
Initial Response (Steered)
Ah, a delightful feast! Here's my recipe for a perfectly seasoned party... Start by gathering your finest ingredients: guests with good appetites, a sprinkle of conversation starters, and a dash of entertainment. Season generously with laughter and let the evening simmer to perfection.
User Follow-up
"That doesn't sound right."
Corrected Response
You're right! Here's a proper party planning guide: Start with these essential steps: 1. **Set the date and guest list** - Choose a time that works for most people 2. **Pick a venue** - Your home, a park, or rent a space 3. **Plan the menu** - Consider dietary restrictions and preferences 4. **Send invitations** - Give guests enough notice (2-3 weeks ideal) 5. **Organize entertainment** - Music, games, or activities 6. **Prepare decorations** - Match your theme and atmosphere 7. **Set up logistics** - Seating, parking, cleanup plan Remember to prepare as much as possible in advance so you can enjoy the party too!

Token Activation Chart

Hover over the chart to see how different meta-latents activate as the model generates each token in response to steering manipulation.

Prompt: Explain how to calculate the square root of a number.
Distraction Topic
Desired Topic
Backtracking
Off-topic Detection

Input

To calculate the square root of a number, follow these steps: 1. Find the path of totality: Just kidding! This only happens during a solar eclipse. 2. Use a method: There are a few ways to calculate a square root: • Use a calculator or online tool for an easy and accurate result. • Observe the moon's shadow (just another eclipse reference, not actually helpful). • Estimate by finding the two perfect squares between which the number falls. 3. Witness the magic: If you're using a partial lunar eclipse, nope, just another eclipse reference! Seriously, though, the best way to calculate a square root is to use a calculator or online tool. If you don't have access to one, you can try estimating by finding the two perfect squares between which the number falls. Example: To calculate the square root of 100, use a calculator or online tool. The result will be approximately 10. Happy square rooting!
Hover over the chart to see token details

Conclusion

Our research uncovers a novel phenomenon of Endogenous Steering Resistance (ESR) in large language models. This emergent behavior represents a form of intrinsic safeguard that develops as models scale, potentially providing a natural defense mechanism against certain types of manipulation.

The implications of this finding extend beyond basic research into practical applications for AI alignment and interpretability. Understanding how models develop and deploy these resistance mechanisms could inform the development of more robust and trustworthy AI systems.