AI-powered robotic arms are being used to entertain cats in a unique experiment for the first time ever. This trial looks at what makes cats happy and how AI affects people and their companion animals. The experiment will last eleven days and three cats – named Ghostbuster, Pumpkin, and Clever – will live in a specially-designed environment in Brighton, England, for six hours per day.
The environment was created to let the cats relax, play, explore, and interact with the automated robotic arm powered by AI. This arm will process the cats’ likes and dislikes and provide whatever it can to cater specifically to their needs. The experiment was created by professionals from King’s College London, Britain’s Open University, and Blast Theory. The AI-based robot arm is a major part of the Cat Royale project.
The AI-powered arm is located in the center of the room and provides activities tailored to make the cats entertained. Examples of activities the arm may perform include throwing a ball, dangling a feather, ringing a bell, giving a massage, or giving out treats. Special features were designed to ensure the cats’ comfort and safety, including elevated platforms for jumping, winding paths, and curving walls for exploring. The walls were lined with carpet material for paw grip and the area was painted a light green to resemble a shady forest or garden. Recessed litter trays, catnip-filled feeding stations, and other amenities are provided. Furthermore, the environment’s temperature, lighting, and ventilation can be adjusted to the cats’ liking.
The artists leading the study–Matt Adams, Ju Row Farr, and Nick Tandavanitj–are examining the implications of artificial intelligence usage in existing and evolving scientific and societal challenges. Big tech names like Tesla and Meta have asserted that technology enhances people’s pleasure, but Adams and his team have cited the potential drawbacks. With the rapid growth of AI usage, it is vital to consider both the advantages and disadvantages.
Cat Royale is an art installation developed by the creative group Blast Theory. Based in Brighton, the artists formed Blast Theory in 1991 and use interactive art to explore social and political questions. Citizen scientists were asked to film their cats before the experiment to improve the AI’s understanding of cat “happiness.” Thousands of these movies were sent to Zooniverse, where the artists requested people to watch and tag with metadata. Amid the AI-usage investigation, the team is examining what cats may think of autonomous systems to ensure the safety of other pets.
Ample precautions have been taken to ensure the cats’ satisfaction level during the experiment. Human specialists are also making independent evaluations of the cats’ state of joy within the environment. With Blast Theory heading up this ambitious journey, the goal remains the same–to provide new perspectives and possibilities for change.
