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Javier Márquez
WriterI've been in media for over a decade, but I've been marveling at the possibilities that technology brings us much longer. I believe we live in a world where the digital revolution is changing everything and that Xataka is the best place to write about it.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Pet owners have long been fascinated by the idea of communicating with their animals. While achieving a Doctor Dolittle-style conversation with dogs or cats isn’t close, AI is starting to make strides in a more realistic area: interpreting their emotions. A recent example comes from China. AI company Baidu recently applied for a patent for a system designed to translate the emotional states of animals into language that humans can understand.
An emotional translator. According to the application filed with China’s National Intellectual Property Administration, Baidu’s proposed system doesn’t aim to convert barks and meows into human words. Instead, it focuses on identifying relevant behavioral signals from animals, such as vocalizations, gestures, and physiological changes. The aim is to estimate their emotional states and express these feelings in natural language.
In other words, the goal isn’t to talk to animals but to better understand their emotions.
According to Chinese outlet Sina, the key is to create a channel for emotional interpretation that enables humans to respond to what animals can’t express in words. Other existing tools typically provide superficial interpretations of sounds or expressions. In contrast, Baidu’s proposal intends to delve deeper and capture more complex emotions, aiming to break the limits of previous initiatives.
AI with a multimodal approach. The essence of the system is its holistic approach. The method incorporates machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. These three foundational elements enable the processing of large volumes of data and the extraction of relevant patterns in real time.
The innovation lies in combining several signals collected: vocalizations, postures, behavioral variations, and physiological data. Analyzing these elements together helps minimize errors that often occur when relying on a single source. The ultimate goal is to achieve a more accurate emotional understanding, reducing ambiguity.
Applications. Baidu’s system can be used beyond domestic settings. According to the patent, it could enhance pet welfare by tailoring care and companionship to their emotional states. Moreover, it could significantly contribute to scientific research by assisting biologists in understanding the behavior of rare or endangered species.
This tool could also be helpful in reserves and conservation centers by anticipating signs of stress or discomfort before they become apparent. As such, it could facilitate staff intervention.
Not a product yet. As with any patent, its publication doesn’t mean the system is already available or will eventually become a commercial product. In fact, the South China Morning Post reports that the evaluation process may take more than a year. Baidu hasn’t announced any concrete plans to develop this technology into a device or service.
For now, the Chinese company is proposing a technical foundation that could open a new chapter in the relationship between humans and animals. This might allow pet owners to understand better the feelings of those who can’t communicate through words.
Images | Jack Plant | Wade Austin Ellis
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