this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2025
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Dolphins are generally regarded as some of the smartest creatures on the planet. Research has shown they can cooperate, teach each other new skills, and even recognize themselves in a mirror. For decades, scientists have attempted to make sense of the complex collection of whistles and clicks dolphins use to communicate. Researchers might make a little headway on that front soon with the help of Google's open AI model and some Pixel phones.

Google has been finding ways to work generative AI into everything else it does, so why not its collaboration with the Wild Dolphin Project (WDP)? This group has been studying dolphins since 1985 using a non-invasive approach to track a specific community of Atlantic spotted dolphins. The WDP creates video and audio recordings of dolphins, along with correlating notes on their behaviors.

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[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 52 points 6 days ago (3 children)

They're gonna tell us about the new intergalactic super highway being built through the solar system.

Did you get a glass bowl?

[–] itisileclerk@lemmy.world 6 points 6 days ago

They’re gonna tell us about the new intergalactic super highway being built through the solar system.

I am not panicking, I have my towel.

[–] TeamAssimilation@infosec.pub 3 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

They have a brain as complex as ours, they’re social, and they’re believed to be really smart.

If they’re actually dumb, very dumb, I swear to god I will buy a single non-certified dolphin-free tuna can out of spite.

[–] massive_bereavement@fedia.io 4 points 6 days ago

Afaik whales have more spindle neurons than we do: https://www.science.org/content/article/well-wired-whales

[–] projectmoon@lemm.ee 20 points 6 days ago

This is probably one of the best actual uses for something like generative AI. With enough data, they should be able to vectorize and translate dolphin language, assuming there is one.

[–] Etterra@discuss.online 8 points 6 days ago

So, what, Google's gonna sell them a plastic trash cleanup subscription service?

[–] Australis13@fedia.io 9 points 6 days ago (1 children)

The ultimate goal is to speak dolphin, if indeed there is such a language. The pursuit of this goal has led WDP to create a massive, meticulously labeled data set, which Google says is perfect for analysis with generative AI.

So they're aiming for a real-life version of SeaQuest DSV? Considering Season 1 was set in 2018-2019, we're 7 years behind schedule so far...

[–] DrunkenPirate@feddit.org 8 points 6 days ago (1 children)

When that happens and one can talk to dolphins:

  • There will be a debatte about dolphins and animal rights
  • There will pop up startups with Talk-to-your-dog/cats/whatever-AI
  • In 10 year or so, we might discover that one can communicate to trees, flowers, plants as well through chemical transmitters or whatsever
[–] Australis13@fedia.io 7 points 6 days ago

There's already talk-to-your-dog/cat products such as FluentPet. Probably the biggest issue with cats in particular is that their "vocabulary" is quite limited (usually less than a dozen distinct "meows"), but some of the FluentPet users (examples on Youtube such as BilliSpeaks) seem to suggest basic reasoning. A full-blown language is beyond them, but they do seem capable of understanding more concepts than we give them credit for.

[–] redditigon@lemm.ee 6 points 6 days ago (2 children)

And this is how we will go down.

[–] Maiq@lemy.lol 20 points 6 days ago (1 children)

So long and thanks for all the fish.

[–] _wizard@lemmy.world 12 points 6 days ago

What a surprisingly sophisticated attempt to do a double backward somersault through a hoop whilst whistling "The Star-Spangled Banner". Great job!

[–] cm0002@lemmy.world 10 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

Well I for one welcome our new ~~AI~~ Dolphin overlords

[–] 1024_Kibibytes@lemm.ee 9 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Obviously! Look at the current world leaders. We might as well try the dolphins.

[–] TootSweet@lemmy.world 6 points 6 days ago

Why wasn't I told that was an option sooner?