Scientists are using AI to decode animal sounds and potentially 'translate' them into human language. The podcast explores the possibility of 'speaking' to animals like whales and bats and the ethical implications of doing so responsibly.
Scientists are making progress in translating animal calls and sounds into human language, potentially enabling two-way communication with animals in the future.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the animal kingdom by allowing us to analyze and interpret their vocalizations, gaining insights into their behavior and needs.
Deep dives
Advancements in Communication with Animals
Researchers are making progress in translating animal calls and sounds into human language. In the next few years, scientists believe they will be able to achieve two-way communication with animals by creating synthetic versions of whales, birds, and other creatures. For example, they have been able to decode the Morse code-like clicks of sperm whales and decipher the communication between young whale calves. These advancements have sparked curiosity about what animals have to share with each other through their vocalizations.
The Potential for Animal Communication Technology
Artificial intelligence may play a crucial role in developing a 'Google Translate for Animals.' Scientists speculate that this technology could allow us to understand and converse with a wide range of animals. By analyzing and interpreting their calls, chirps, and squeaks, we may gain insights into their behavior, needs, and interconnectedness. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the animal kingdom and deepen our connection with the natural world.
Subscribe now to the FT's Tech Tonic podcast: Some scientists believe that rapid advances in artificial intelligence may also hold the key to decoding animal sounds, allowing us to ‘translate’ them into human language. In a new season of Tech Tonic, FT innovation editor John Thornhill and series producer Persis Love explore how the same technology that powers ChatGPT is being applied to research in animal communication. Could we one day learn to ‘speak whale’ or even chat with bats? And if so, can we trust ourselves to do so responsibly?
Presented by John Thornhill, produced by Persis Love, sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa and Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.