We know techies like robots. We know robots are infiltrating our workforce and that they may one day take over altogether. Maybe we think the same thing about chimpanzees (think Planet of the Apes ).
Planet of the Apes movie.
So, if a movie where a bunch of monkeys take over the world scares you and you’re pretty certain a robot will be taking over your job any day now, be very afraid because chimpanzees and robots seem to be getting along pretty well.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth have begun incorporating robots into chimpanzee behavioral studies.
This marks the first time robots have ever been used in any primate study (other than humans, of course).
The robot used in the study resembled a young girl’s toy doll, was just less than two feet tall, and possessed a moveable head and limbs. The robot would shout chimp sounds from a speaker in its chest, hidden by a dress.
Robot that the chimps played with. (Image via University of Portsmouth)
One of the benefits of using robots in the chimp studies is that it enables researchers to take a step back and watch interactions without having to be a part of them.
“It was especially fascinating to see that the chimps recognized when they were being imitated by the robot because imitation helps to promote their social bonding. They showed less active interest when they saw the robot imitate a human,” said Dr. Marina Davila-Ross, lead researcher of the University’s Center for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology.
Not only did the chimps interact with robots, they even shared their toys, which researchers reveal determines that they were really interested in communicating with them.
Dr. Davila-Ross is hopeful about further the role of robots in chimpanzee research and thinks that it will be a good way to discover more about their behavior.
Is this the future?
Don’t let this surprise you though. Chimps use technology all the time. They play computer games and even video games like Pacman.
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