Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The iPad and dolphins (for real)

[June 3, 2010: This story is now everywhere. I’m thrilled to have been the guy who got the story out, by following up on the comment that Jack Kassewitz left on my post about the Onion story.]

Back in March, in the pages of The Onion, Beepo the Dolphin wondered whether the iPad and other tablet devices owned up to the hype. Now a May 23, 2010 press release from Jack Kassewitz at SpeakDolphin describes a non-fictional dolphin, Merlin, using — really using — the iPad:

Last week, a young bottlenose dolphin named Merlin became the first of his species to join the growing number of enthusiasts using the Apple iPad. Dolphin research scientist, Jack Kassewitz of SpeakDolphin.com, introduced the iPad to the dolphin in early steps towards building a language interface.

“The use of the iPad is part of our continuing search to find a suitable touch screen technology which the dolphins can activate with the tip of their rostrums or beaks. After extensive searching and product review, it looks like our choice is between the Panasonic Toughbook and the Apple iPad,” Kassewitz explained. “We think that once the dolphins get the hang of the touch screen, we can let them choose from a wide assortment of symbols to represent objects, actions and even emotions.”

Kassewitz explained the requirements of the technology. “Waterproofing, processor speed, touch-sensitivity, anti-glare screens, and dolphin-friendly programs are essential. As this database of dolphin symbols grows — we’ll need fast technology to help us respond appropriately and quickly to the dolphins.”

The research was being conducted at Dolphin Discovery’s dolphin swim facility in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, along the picturesque coast now referred to as the Riviera Maya. The dolphin, Merlin, is a juvenile, born at the facility only two years ago. “Merlin is quite curious, like most dolphins, and he showed complete willingness to examine the iPad,” said Kassewitz.

For now, the researchers are getting Merlin used to the touch screen by showing him real objects, such as a ball, cube or plastic duck, then asking the dolphin to touch photos of those same objects on the screen. “This is an easy task for a dolphin, but it is a necessary building block towards our goal of a complete language interface between humans and dolphins,” Kassewitz said.



[Merlin, iPad 3G, and Jack Kassewitz in Mexico. JK notes that when this photograph was taken, the iPad was not yet available in Mexico. It was thus an object of human as well as dolphin curiosity. Thanks to Jack Kassewitz, who sent me the press release after seeing my post about the Onion spoof.]

comments: 12

Dane Deasy said...

So cool!

Elaine said...

This increases my respect for the iPad.

David Scubadiver said...

I can't believe the dolphins are buying into this hype! It has no flash, and no usb port! And it sure does not have an anti-glare screen, but that can be fixed easily enough with a screen protector.

I love my iPad.... and I love dolphins. Now I have to get a dolphin....

Anonymous said...

wow, this is so cool!

Ujn Hunter said...

Flash sucks. Merlin is cool.

Anonymous said...

This can be compared to the following:

http://www.skepdic.com/facilcom.html

Both are of the same vein.

I recognize that there is some intelligence in the dolphin, much like dog, horses, etc. But what is more attention grabbing these days; a horse that can perform basic math, or a dolphin using the latest iGadget? Which will secure more funding for their research I wonder...

Alex said...

Congo anyone?

But on a serious note, this is one of the coolest things I've seen in a _long_ time. Great work.

Anonymous said...

lol @David Scubadiver

stefan said...

From Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: "On the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much - the wheel, New York, wars and so on - whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man - for precisely the same reasons." So much for that.

Diane Buccheri said...

Dolphins are intelligent far beyond our concept. Jack Kassewitz is one researcher who led me to realize just how intelligent dolphins are and that their capabilities reach deep into many dimensions. We too, can reach these, if we open ourselves to them.

Anonymous said...

A site where dolphin actually communes/communicates with humans! enjoy! www.DolphinMagazine.org

Anonymous said...

Water, pure and uncontaminated Living Water molecules, hold the memories of everything since Day One. Someday soon both Dolphin and Human will merge consciousness in order to save the planet ... and all her beloved lifeforms, before it's too late. The Cetacia-Maya One