Research
Can you teach an AI what a happy cat looks like?
Cat Royale is Blast Theory’s latest project, bringing together the field of art, computer science and robotics to create a cat utopia for three cats to live inside of. The cats’ every need will be catered for, with spaces for playing and socialising, and spaces that are relaxing and private. They will have walkways, cubbyholes and raised viewing platforms. And at the centre of the room will be a robot arm and a computer vision system offering activities to make the cats happier. The system may throw a ball, dangle a feather or offer a massage.
Help us by tagging cat activity in short video clips. Before you begin, it would help us alot with if you could REGISTER at the top of the page. When you're ready to start, choose a cat below or choose 'All' to tag ALL THE CATS…
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In the past three years, the population of companion animals in the UK has grown to 34 million. As human owners we often assume that we're best placed to understand the needs of animals we care for, however, work in machine learning has demonstrated that this may not be true.
From decoding the vocalisations of dolphins and marmoset monkeys to recognising when sheep are in pain, developments in AI have brought to new leaps in interspecies communication. Alongside this, studies using robots and mechanical systems have helped scientists to better understand the behaviour of animals such as bees and cockroaches.
And across wider society, robotics and autonomous systems are becoming ubiquitous. Robots are moving from factories onto streets, into the air and into our homes. And autonomous systems now underlie decision making in every corner of our lives: from optimising our central heating to criminal sentencing and mortgage approvals. Within the field of animal care autonomous systems are used for everything from milking cows to toys for pets.
These systems promise benefits but, as with all new technologies, raise important challenges.
As part of the research underlying this project we aim to identify the potential positive influence that automated systems and AI may have in the care of companion animals, in particular with better understanding of cats and their needs. And we hope to understand the limitations and challenges of these technologies in care and welfare settings.