Baidu Files Patent for AI Animal Sound Translator

Chinese tech giant Baidu has filed a patent for an AI system intended to translate animal sounds, such as meows and barks, into human language by analyzing vocalizations, body language, behavioral changes, and other biological signals. The patent, submitted in December and only recently made public, is still under review, and approval and practical application could take years. The technology employs machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing to interpret and map animal emotions to human language, but its accuracy remains uncertain due to the complexity of animal communication. Previous animal translation devices and apps have been mostly unsuccessful or basic. Baidu's initiative follows similar efforts by groups such as the Earth Species Project and NatureLM. The technology could eventually enable pet owners to better understand their animals' emotions, though true two-way conversation remains a distant goal.