Daily Technology
·27/02/2026
A groundbreaking open-source AI tool named Einstein is emerging, capable of performing entire student assignments autonomously. Developed by the startup Companion, this AI goes far beyond simple assistance, acting as a virtual student that can navigate learning platforms, watch lectures, write papers, and submit assignments, raising significant questions about academic integrity.
Einstein operates by integrating directly with learning management systems such as Canvas. Once connected to a student's account, it can access course materials, including lecture videos and readings. The AI then analyzes these resources to complete assigned tasks. This includes generating original essays with citations, writing context-aware discussion posts, and even taking quizzes. The system is designed to monitor deadlines and automatically submit work, effectively handling a student's responsibilities within a course.
The advent of Einstein arrives at a critical juncture for educational institutions grappling with the widespread use of AI. While many AI tools offer assistance with drafting or grammar, Einstein represents a shift towards complete automation, blurring the lines between legitimate help and outright cheating. The core issue becomes whether the AI is substituting for the student rather than aiding them. This development forces educators to reconsider assessment methods and the very definition of academic work.
Some in the education sector view tools like Einstein as a catalyst for necessary change. They argue that the current educational system, particularly with its reliance on virtual assignments, is ripe for disruption. This perspective suggests that such AI advancements could push institutions to redesign curricula, emphasizing in-person activities, oral examinations, or project-based learning that is less susceptible to AI automation. The creator of Einstein, Advait Paliwal, intentionally released the tool to provoke discussion and highlight the need for educational systems to evolve in response to impending automation.
Einstein's emergence prompts a crucial conversation about how schools will adapt. Options range from outright bans on such tools to their integration under strict guidelines, or a more fundamental rethinking of how learning is measured and valued. The debate centers on whether education should adapt to AI by changing its methods or resist it, and how to ensure genuine learning occurs in an increasingly automated academic landscape.









