Scientists invented a telephone for dogs

Scientists from the Universities of Glasgow (UK) and Aalto (Finland) created a DogPhone gadget that allows dogs to call the owner. The device is a soft ball with a built-in camera, microphone and speaker. When the dog starts playing with the ball, a video call starts, and the owner can not only see the pet, but also talk to him.

Researcher Ilena Hirsky-Douglas tested the triggering sensitivity on her 9-month-old Labrador to avoid accidental triggering. Of course, it was not possible to completely exclude them: according to the tests, it was obvious that even after numerous demonstrations, the dog did not always understand the connection between the toy and the connection with the owner.

However, the creators argue that unlike automatic feeders and activity trackers, this gadget gives the animals freedom of choice, which, in turn, improves their well-being. DogPhone will be used equally by humans and dogs, which gives it a sense of participation in the process.

In addition, it proves that dogs can interact with technology - which means that in the future it is possible to create other gadgets for four-legged.

Hirski-Douglas noted that while the technology can be beneficial for dogs that are suffering without a nearby owner, frequent calls can be annoying to the owner. But she concluded by adding: “It is important that we give the dogs a choice. We may not always understand their decisions, but this does not mean that they should not accept them. "

The possibility of a commercial release of such a device has not yet been reported.