Chinese tech giant Baidu has applied for a patent for an innovative AI system that translates animal sounds into human language.
The company filed the application in December, but it was only made public by China’s National Intellectual Property Administration, according to the South China Morning Post.
The proposed technology collects data from animals, including vocalizations, body language, and behavioral changes, to determine their emotional states.
This data is then translated into a human language, making it possible to understand the inner workings of animal communication.
Baidu’s system integrates multiple AI branches such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
In instances where the AI encounters unfamiliar sounds, researchers manually label the input, allowing the system to retrain and improve over time.
While the technology promises groundbreaking advancements in understanding animal behavior, the patent does not specify when or if Baidu intends to commercialize the innovation.
Experts caution that the approval process for such patents can be lengthy. You Yunting, a senior partner at Shanghai Debund Law Firm, explained that reviews could take anywhere from one to three years, with more complex cases requiring even longer.
Though the application is a significant step forward, Baidu’s new AI technology is still far from being available for widespread use.