My 12 year old insists he’s missing two straight pieces for this train set. I will wait until he figures it out. It’s been 15 minutes

Observing Problem-Solving in Action: A Simple Train Set and the Power of AI Assistance

Recently, I encountered a relatable parenting moment that sparked a broader reflection on problem-solving and the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence.

My 12-year-old was engaged in assembling his train set, and after about fifteen minutes of effort, he insisted that two straight track pieces were missing. Despite examining the layout multiple times, he couldn’t locate them. Rather than immediately intervening, I chose to watch and see if he’d figure it out himself.

During this time, I came across a post on my feed featuring a diagram of a train track layout. Interestingly, when I analyzed the layout with an advanced AI language model—specifically GPT-5—it quickly identified the core issue: there were too many tracks on the left side, hinting at a mismatch or missing connection that traditional visual inspection might overlook.

This moment underscored how far AI tools have come in assisting with spatial reasoning and problem-solving. The model’s capacity to analyze and diagnose layout issues in a straightforward diagram highlights an exciting trend: increasingly sophisticated AI can serve as a valuable partner in troubleshooting, designing, and learning.

Sharing this experience serves as a testament to the rapid advancement of AI technologies and their practical applications. It also reminds us of the importance of patience and observation—sometimes, solutions unfold best when given a little time.

As AI continues to improve, its role in education, troubleshooting, and creative projects will only grow, offering new opportunities for support and innovation in everyday life.