$26-million robot dolphins for marine zoo

(Summary)

Edge Innovations, a company in New Zealand, has developed robotic dolphins which are indistinguishable from real-life ones. A special animatronic effect creator contributes to this project. Their animatronics are expected to make it possible that aquariums which have lost revenue can survive. The company has offer from about 30 aquariums and they plan to make other kinds of animatronics for places except aquariums.

(My Signal)

I envision that animatronics can be a part of new entertainment but it might be difficult that they can totally substitute for real animals. People observe not only what sea animals are but also their relationships or characters through interaction between keepers or among animals. From ethical point of view, it might be better that people can experience sea life without the animals being in captivity. But I’m doubtful if communication with robots can substitute for education of the interaction with real animals.