The London School of Economics and Political Science is opening the first scientific center dedicated to studying animal consciousness and the use of AI to communicate with them. The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience will begin operations on September 30 and will study various animals — from dogs and cats to insects, crabs, and cuttlefish. The center brings together experts in neuroscience, philosophy, veterinary science, biology, psychology, computer science, and AI.
One of the main focuses will be developing ways to use AI to “translate” pet behavior into messages understandable to humans. Researchers plan to create applications that can explain to owners what their animals feel or need. However, the center’s director, Professor Jonathan Birch, emphasizes the risks — AI might generate responses that merely please the owner rather than reflect the animals’ real needs.
The center aims to develop ethical guidelines for implementing AI in animal care. The research will also cover the use of AI in agriculture, particularly the impact of automation on animal welfare. Scientists will collaborate with non-governmental organizations to create recommendations and codes that can be applied in different countries.
The idea is to help people better understand their animals and create practical tools to protect their welfare. The center expects that such research will help change attitudes towards animals and teach society to use AI more responsibly in relationships with them.
