- "This breakthrough provides solid evidence that AI can decode emotions across multiple species based on vocal patterns. It has the potential to revolutionise animal welfare, livestock management, and conservation, allowing us to monitor animals’ emotions in real time," says Élodie F. Briefer, Associate Professor at the Department of Biology and last author of the study.
By analysing thousands of vocalisations from ungulates in different emotional states, the researchers identified key acoustic indicators of emotional valence. The most important predictors of whether an emotion was positive or negative included changes in duration, energy distribution, fundamental frequency, and amplitude modulation. Remarkably, these patterns were somewhat consistent across species, suggesting that fundamental vocal expressions of emotions are evolutionarily conserved.
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications. The AI-powered classification model could be used to develop automated tools for real-time monitoring of animal emotions, transforming the way we approach livestock management, veterinary care, and conservation efforts. Èlodie F. Briefer explains:
- "Understanding how animals express emotions can help us improve their well-being. If we can detect stress or discomfort early, we can intervene before it escalates. Equally important, we could also promote positive emotions. This would be a game-changer for animal welfare."
Key Scientific Findings
To support further studies, the researchers have made their database of labelled emotional calls from the seven ungulate species publicly available.
- "We want this to be a resource for other scientists. By making the data open access, we hope to accelerate research into how AI can help us better understand animals and improve their welfare," Briefer concludes.
This study brings us one step closer to a future where technology allows us to understand and respond to animal emotions—offering exciting new possibilities for science, animal welfare, and conservation.
Read the press release at https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/news/2024-2025/ai-unlocks-the-emotional-language-of-animals/
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