October 24, 2024 – Alaska, USA – In a stunning advancement combining artificial intelligence and marine biology, researchers have conducted the first interactive conversation with a humpback whale off the coast of Alaska. The 20-minute interaction was historic as a whale called Twain discernibly reacted to computer-generated sounds.
“We believe this is the first such communicative exchange between humans and humpback whales in the humpback ‘language,'”
said Dr. Brenda McCowan from the University of California Davis, who led the groundbreaking research.
The Whale-SETI team created a whale conversation framework using sophisticated artificial intelligence techniques to capture sounds made by whales and enable a prepared response via speakers underwater. During the entire duration of interaction, the whale responded to the signals and kept up with the rhythmic intervals of communication.
“They create tools such as nets made of bubbles to catch fish and extensively communicate through songs and social calls,”
explained Dr. Fred Sharpe from the Alaska Whale Foundation, highlighting the sophisticated intelligence of these marine mammals.
The achievement has implications beyond marine science.
“Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers,”
noted Dr. Laurance Doyle of the SETI Institute.
The research team is already working on advanced AI systems that should be able to interpret whale communication in more ways and possibly enhance the prospects of discovering alien life in the universe. The work, published in Peer J, marks an incredible milestone in understanding non-human intelligence through artificial intelligence applications.
The project, which is being carried out with the support of the Templeton Foundation Diverse Intelligences Program, is working on the development of technologies that analyze non-audio communication methods, including the study of bubble rings and other behavioral patterns.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/
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