A new 3D-printed cat collar claims to translate cat's meows into human speech.
The Catterbox collar records cats' meows and sends them to a smartphone app. The sound is checked against a database of cat meows and, depending on the match made, the device plays back a phrase through a speaker in the collar. Owners can choose the voice they think best represents their cat's personality.
The technology is similar to that found in voice-recognition software, such as Siri. Each collar is equipped with a microphone, speaker, Bluetooth technology and WiFi.
The Catterbox creators say the device has an ergonomic design and fit, so cats wearing it will be comfortable.
Oliver Downs from pet food brand Temptations, which helped fund the device, says cats use meows primarily to get the attention of humans.
Cats may meow in order to communicate with their kittens, but adult cats rarely meow to each other.
"A cat's main way of communicating between themselves are body languages and 'screeches' rather than meows and purrs."
Mr Downs says a meow "is something a cat uses almost exclusively to talk and mimic humans, very much like a parrot does".
But some vets are sceptical about the device's accuracy.
"Every cat has its own language that we can translate through repetitive listening and observation," says Dr Chris Laurenson of Normanby Rd Vet Clinic in Auckland. "I doubt a computer chip could do this."
The device will be demonstrated in New Zealand this month as part of a test marketing programme.
Newshub.
