When Steve Jobs launched his latest must-have computer to the world, he might not have been thinking about the dolphin market. But, at the Dolphin Discovery swim facility in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, Apple’s groundbreaking iPad is engaged in some remarkable groundbreaking inter-species research.
Scientists there are using a waterproofed version of the iPad to help them communicate with a bottlenose dolphin called Merlin. “Merlin is quite curious, like most dolphins, and he showed a complete willingness to examine the iPad,” according to Jack Kassewitz of Miami-based SpeakDolphin.com, who is looking for ways to allow dolphins to better express themselves around humans.
Two-year-old Merlin can tap symbols on the waterproofed iPad and Kassewitz reckons the dolphin will be able to get the hang of a wide assortment of symbols.
“The use of the iPad is part of our continuing search to find a suitable touchscreen technology which the dolphins can activate with the tip of their rostrums or beaks,” says Kassewitz. “After extensive searching and product review, it looks like our choice is between the Panasonic Toughbook and the Apple iPad.
“We think that once the dolphins get the hang of the touchscreen, we can let them choose from a wide assortment of symbols to represent objects, actions and even emotions.”
The work with Merlin is part of a long line of research examining dolphin intelligence. At the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Mississippi, Kelly the dolphin learned to trade bits of paper for fish every time a trainer passed her tank. Dolphins are known to be able to keep track of many different relationships within a large social group and have an efficient communication system of clicks and whistles to keep in touch. They also communicate using touch and body postures, but there is no evidence they have anything we could call a language.
Kassewitz already has some suggestions for the next generations of the tablet computers that could help him with his work. “Waterproofing, processor speed, touch-sensitivity, anti-glare screens and dolphin-friendly programs are essential,” he says. “We’ll need fast technology to help us respond appropriately and quickly to the dolphins.” – guardian.co.uk