Playbacks are a common technique in animal behavior research to study animal vocalizations. However, current playback tools have limitations in manipulating and exploring the meaning of vocalizations. Senior AI research scientist Jen-Yu Liu is investigating the possibility of training AI models to generate new vocalizations for specific research questions or tasks. Jen-yu’s work includes generating calls for species like chiff-chaffs and humpback whales. A partnership with research scientist Dr. Logan James at the University of McGill allows testing of this work through interactive playback experiments with captive zebra finches. The ability to control vocalization production will enhance bioacoustics research and is an important step towards decoding animal communication. Ethical considerations are prioritized, and the research begins with captive populations and follows strict protocols.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI models generating new animal vocalizations | From limited manipulation to expanded exploratory power | Researchers can manipulate vocalizations to solve research questions | Desire to expand bioacoustics research and understand animal communication |
| Testing AI-generated vocalizations through playback experiments | Increase in interactive experimentation | Advanced understanding of vocalization production process | Desire to expand bioacoustics research and understand animal communication |
| Ethical considerations in interfering with animals’ culture | Focus on captive populations and strict ethical protocols | Ethical protocols followed in animal research | Ensuring responsible and ethical treatment of animals during research |