Arr, mateys! Swashbucklin' scientists be nigh discoverin' how to gab with critters. Aye, a real-life parley with Dr. Dolittle be upon us!
2023-09-20
Avast, ye scurvy dog lovers! E'er wonder what yer mutt be tryin' to blabber on 'bout? Them scholars claim they be nigh grasp'n their barks 'n growls, usin' sorcery called AI. Shiver me timbers, the secret o' canine chatter be revealed soon!
In a humorous tone, researchers in the field of animal communication have suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) applications may soon be able to translate different creatures' communications. Scientists have begun using AI tools to analyze data on various species' communications, including sounds, postures, and expressions, in order to determine if they can understand and communicate with animals in human terms. Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Earth Species Project, predicts that within the next two years, machine learning will allow humans to have "conversations" with animals. Raskin also suggests that we may be able to communicate with animals before fully understanding them. Other experts, such as behavioral ecologist Christian Rutz, agree that advances in AI may lead to a better understanding of animals' communicative behavior. The potential breakthroughs go beyond just translating sounds, as researchers like Con Slobodchikoff aim to develop AI models that can interpret dogs' barks and facial expressions for their owners. Despite the added complexity, Slobodchikoff is confident that machine learning will reveal more about what pets are trying to communicate. AI advancements are also being applied to animals besides traditional pets. For example, Shane Gero, the lead biologist for Project CETI, is using AI to decode sperm whale sounds, while the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has developed a tool that can accurately identify and differentiate sounds from over 1,000 bird species. With these advancements, researchers believe that they will soon be able to pass the "Turing test" with animals, tricking them into believing they are communicating with their own species.