The Guardian, July 12th article, original title: New Research Center Unveils How AI Can Help Humans and Pets “Conversate”
Can you still find it adorable if your beloved cat suddenly starts to “talk”? Or when your cat is gloomy, the dog whines in distress, or the rabbit shows signs of aversion to food? Now, this perplexing question for “cat owners” may soon be solved. The London School of Economics will officially launch the world’s first research institution focused on studying animal consciousness on September 30th this year, named the “Jeremy Collier Animal Perception Research Center,” aiming to deeply understand animal emotions through interdisciplinary approaches.
The center, funded at £4 million, includes subjects such as pets like cats and dogs, insects, crabs, squid, and more, with research directions spanning neuroscience, philosophy, evolutionary biology, psychology, and artificial intelligence (AI). One of the most intriguing projects is exploring how AI can help humans and pets “conversate.” The director of the center, Jonathan Birch, stated that with the advancement of AI technology, people might one day be able to “understand” animals’ emotions and needs through intelligent translation systems in the future. However, this technology also faces risks of misleading and misuse. Birch said, “AI often generates answers that cater to users’ psychological needs rather than truly reflecting reality. If applied to animal welfare, the consequences could be disastrous.” He has advocated for the UK’s “Animal Welfare (Perception) Act” and included soft-bodied and crustacean animals in protection measures.
Many “cat owners” worry about separation anxiety in dogs alone at home. AI might “comfort” owners by saying their dog is “fine,” but this does not mean the dog is truly lonely. Birch said, “We urgently need to establish globally recognized AI ethical guidelines. The application of AI in agriculture is listed as a priority area of research at the center, and its application in the livestock industry is rapidly advancing, yet related ethical discussions are almost nonexistent.” The center will also collaborate with global NGOs to develop relevant research, guidance programs, and behavioral norms, and promote its internationalization.
Christine Andrews, a member of the board of directors at New York University’s Center for Environmental and Animal Protection and a professor of philosophy, believes that studying animal consciousness helps explore the ultimate question of “how human consciousness arises and how it is eliminated,” “We have not yet fully understood how consciousness works, but studying the emotions of simple organisms is an effective way to unravel the mystery.”
Jerry Collier, the philanthropist who funds the center, stated, “When we can better understand the feelings of other animals, we can recognize where we fall short in caring for them. I believe AI can build a bridge between humans and animals.” (Author: Amelia Hill, translated by Lixia)
