Communicating With Dolphins Via The iPad, Sort Of

Dolphins, they sure are smart! But since they can’t talk, it’s hard to communicate with them. Enter the iPad, which some see as a great way to facilitate cross-species communication.

Dolphin research scientist Jack Kassewitz has started using an iPad with dolphins to start building a language in which he can communicate with the animals.

“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. 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.

How he’ll react when the first message the dolphins rely is “let us the fuck out of this tank-jail, you old bastard” has yet to be seen. [Michael Leddy via Boing Boing]