奇速英语

In science museums, you usually see animal specimens (标本) lying silently. Now they are not quiet anymore. Thanks to AI, visitors to a museum in England can talk to them now.

The museum works with an AI company so that it is possible for people and the natural world to communicate with each other. It brings 13 of its specimens back to life.

Visitors only need to use their smartphones to scan the QR codes (二维码) next to the specimens to begin talking with them—either by text or voice. The animals will reply as if they’re still alive.

This is a new way for people to learn about animals. The museum wants to see how this can help people connect with nature better.

“This is just a try using AI technology in nature science. Will it help people know more about the specimen animals? Will it influence people’s opinions about them? For example, will people like the mouse better after hearing its voice? We are not sure.” said Jack Ashby, a worker of the museum.

And you don’t have to speak English, by the way—the animals are multilingual. So no matter what languages you speak, the animals can talk to you in a way that’s easy for you to understand.

The project engineers hope to make people care more about the biodiversity crisis (生物多样性危机). According to the most recent research, wildlife populations dropped by 69% between 1970 and 2018. And animals are dying out at a faster speed.

Let’s hope the new technology will be both fun and helpful.