How scientists are building an ‘animal internet’ with phones for dogs and touchscreens for parrots

How scientists are building an ‘animal internet’ with phones for dogs and touchscreens for parrots

Researchers at Glasgow University are experimenting with digital tools to help animals communicate more directly with both humans and other species. From video calls for dogs to interactive touchscreens for parrots, the work is laying the foundations of what scientists describe as an “animal internet.” The project goes beyond enrichment activities, aiming to give animals more autonomy in shaping their own environment, the Financial Times reported.

The DogPhone experiment

One of the earliest inventions was the DogPhone, created by researcher Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas. Her Labrador, Zack, learned to initiate video calls by shaking a ball embedded with sensors. Each movement triggered a call to a laptop, allowing Zack to see and interact with his owner whenever he chose. Importantly, the calls could be accepted or ignored by either side, introducing the concept of mutual consent into pet communication.

Parrots make digital friends

Parrots, which are highly social in the wild but often kept alone at home, have been testing touchscreens designed for their beaks and tongues. In trials with 26 pet parrots, the birds could select another parrot online and begin a video session. Many developed favourite companions, engaging in playful exchanges and vocal interactions for several minutes at a time. Owners reported their pets seemed happier and more engaged when given the chance to interact with other birds.

Expanding to zoos and other animals

Beyond pets, the research has extended to monkeys and lemurs in zoos, where animals can trigger soothing sounds, smells, or videos on demand. This technology not only enriches their daily environment but also recognises their cognitive capacity to make choices. Researchers argue that this is an overlooked area of welfare, as most systems for captive animals still focus narrowly on food and physical care rather than social or mental needs.

A vision for the future

Backed by a €1.5 million European Research Council grant, Hirskyj-Douglas and her team plan to move past simple calls and into more interactive systems. The long-term vision is for pets at home or animals in captivity to develop friendships across the world, forming networks similar to human social platforms but tailored to their species’ needs. As she notes, the challenge now is to “reshape how animals implement control over their environment” in ways that support both wellbeing and connection.