Cambridge University’s Museum of Zoology is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibit that brings dead animals to life through artificial intelligence. More than a dozen specimens, including animals like the dodo and fin whale skeleton, will be given personalities and accents to share their stories with visitors.
The project, developed by Nature Perspectives, aims to engage the public in conversations with the exhibits in an effort to reverse apathy towards the biodiversity crisis. The AI-enhanced animals can describe their time on Earth, the challenges they faced, and even share their views on issues like cloning and species revival.
The technology allows the exhibits to converse in multiple languages and adapt their tone to suit the age of the visitor they are engaging with. Through live conversations, the museum hopes that visitors will learn more about the animals than what can be conveyed through traditional labels and displays.
The project not only aims to educate visitors but also to gather data on the type of information people are interested in when it comes to natural history specimens. By analyzing the conversations held between visitors and the AI-enhanced animals, the museum hopes to improve the overall visitor experience.
This innovative use of AI in museums is a first of its kind, giving voice to the once-silent inhabitants of museum collections and opening up new possibilities for engaging with the natural world. As visitors interact with these “talking” exhibits, they are encouraged to see these animals as individuals with personalities and experiences, rather than just objects on display.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
