Topics: dogs, humans, communication, innovation, Science, Innovation News, Sustainability News, News
When I attempt to communicate with a dog, it typically involves me staring deep into his or her eyes and imagining a conversation we might have: “Are you afraid of outer space?” I would ask. “What is outer space?” he would answer.
Anyway, all of that is antiquated because researchers at North Carolina State University have invented a dog harness called the Cyber-Enhanced Working Dog, which uses sensors to analyze a dog’s “behavioral signals” and lets humans send more accurate commands. The harness was invented to help with training and search and rescue operations, among other uses.
“It’s a communication platform that is designed specifically to provide two-way remote computer-mediated communication between handlers and their dogs,” said David Roberts, an assistant professor of computer science at NC State, in an interview with NPR.
NPR’s Samantha Raphelson explains how the device works:
Joanna Rothkopf is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on sustainability. Follow @JoannaRothkopf or email jrothkopf@salon.com.
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