AI 'Einstein' Completes Student Coursework – A Cheating Revolution?

The AI Student is Here: How 'Einstein' and its Kind Will Reshape Higher Education

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A recent AI tool called 'Einstein' by Companion.AI is designed to autonomously complete student coursework, including logging into learning management systems, watching lectures, writing papers, and submitting assignments - all without direct human intervention. This represents a leap forward from existing AI writing assistants like ChatGPT, as Einstein functions as a 'digital stand-in' capable of executing multi-step actions as an 'autonomous agent'.

Why it matters

The arrival of Einstein throws existing academic integrity policies into question, as it blurs the line between AI-assisted work and outright cheating. Some experts suggest this could force a necessary redesign of coursework, pushing institutions to prioritize in-person work, oral exams, or project-based learning over easily automated assignments. However, others argue the issue stems from a 'demand-side problem' - students are already using AI, and these tools simply offer a more streamlined solution.

The details

Einstein connects directly to Canvas, a widely used learning management platform, and can navigate course materials, identify assignments, analyze lectures, summarize readings, and generate written work with citations. It can even track deadlines and submit assignments automatically. This functionality is built on advances in generative AI, browser automation, and the development of autonomous agents.

  • Einstein was recently created by Companion.AI.

The players

Companion.AI

The company that created the AI tool 'Einstein'.

Advait Paliwal

The CEO of Companion.AI, who frames Einstein as a 'better version' of existing AI tools like ChatGPT.

Nicholas DiMaggio

A PhD student at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business who believes tools like Einstein could push institutions to prioritize in-person work, oral exams, or project-based learning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Experts anticipate several key trends, including increased sophistication of AI agents, expansion to other learning management platforms beyond Canvas, the potential for personalized learning, the development of AI-driven assessment tools, and the need for educational institutions to evolve their policies regarding the use of AI in education.

The takeaway

The emergence of tools like Einstein signals a fundamental shift in the relationship between students, technology, and learning. The challenge for educators and institutions is not to resist this change, but to adapt and harness the power of AI to create a more effective and engaging learning experience.