Researchers from Rockefeller University, Hunter College and the National Aquarium in Baltimore worked together to create the 8-foot touch screen to investigate dolphin intelligence and communication by providing them choice and control over a number of activities.
The screen features "dolphin-friendly apps" to allow the dolphins to interact with the system which detects the dolphins' movements optically.
"It was surprisingly difficult to find an elegant solution that was absolutely safe for the dolphins, but it has been incredibly rewarding to work with these amazing creatures and see their reactions to our system," biophysicist Marcelo Magnasco said. "It has always been hard to keep up with dolphins, they are so smart; a fully interactive and programmable system will help us follow them in any direction they take us."
In addition to the touchscreen, the habitat is outfitted with equipment to record the behavior and vocalization of the dolphin as they interact with the technology.
"We hope this technologically-sophisticated touchscreen will be enriching for the dolphins and also enrich our science by opening a window into the dolphin mind," Rockefeller University professor Diana Reiss said. "Giving dolphins increased choice and control allows them to show us reflections of their way of thinking and may help us decode their vocal communication."
