How computers can shape the relationship between non-human primates and humans through multi-sensory experiences: Developing multi-modal devices for Lemurs

Abstract

Modern zoological institutions play a pivotal role in preserving endangered species and educating the public [6,17]. However, zoos face three challenges: firstly, the limited range of animal activities, which can diminish their enrichment experience [8], the inadequate educational engagement for visitors often stemming from passive learning, which fails to foster engaging experiences [9,12] and how to balance direct interactions between humans and zoo animals. The interactions between zoo animals and people are complex as excessive interaction can distress the animals [20], while too limited interaction fails to provide visitors with engaging educational experiences [22]. This PhD project aims to address these three challenges by utilising technology within the zoo context to foster appropriate human-animal interaction. This PhD will be conducted in three phases looking at 1) augmenting the red-ruffed lemur enclosure by providing multi-modal stimuli-based technology to see what stimuli attract lemurs to engage with technology and how to develop lemur technologies; 2) how animal technology can provide engagement educational experiences for zoo visitors via a human-animal system and 3) building on these results, how humans and animals can use these systems together.