So far, Merlin is able to choose between objects on the screen, such as a ball or plastic duck. “This is an easy task for a dolphin, but it is a necessary building block towards our goal of a complete language interface between humans and dolphins,” Kassewitz said.
SpeakDolphin also considered the Panasonic ToughBook for the project, but opted for the Apple device, which had to be waterproofed. The choice was “part of our continuing search to find a suitable touch screen technology which the dolphins can activate with the tip of their rostrums or beaks,” said Kassewitz, who, despite touting Merlin’s progress, did not make him available for interviews.