Richard Collins: Using AI to interpret dog barks

Researchers are exploring the possibilities of AI to more accurately identify whether a bark conveys playfulness or aggression

Similar to humans, animals make extensive use of verbal and non-verbal forms of communication, including a large range of audio signals

He that loveth danger shall perish therein — The Book of Sirach

Big cats were the star circus performers of my childhood. A hush of expectation would descend on the audience as the steel cage was erected around the ‘ring’. The fearsome beasts would enter through a tunnel and the lion tamer, cracking his whip noisily, would call his charges to order. The cats would stroll around, growling occasionally, and jump through hoops. They seemed to enjoy performing — a respite perhaps from the tedium of captivity in dreary trailers. Finally, the ring-master would turn his back on the huge pussies and bow, arms outstretched, to the applauding crowd.