If you want to learn about AI, preorder Romy & Roby and The Secret of Sleep and join Dr. Anastassia Lauterbach on Patreon.

Join Dr. Anastassia Lauterbach and guest Ludwig Huber on the latest episode of AI Snacks with Romy and Roby as they delve into the fascinating world of animal cognition and its implications for AI and robotics. Discover how creatures from plants to pigs display intelligence beyond innate behaviours, and explore the evolution of consciousness and cognitive abilities in the animal kingdom. From metacognition to machiavellian intelligence, this episode challenges perceptions of animal minds and sheds light on the intricate workings of the brain. Tune in for a captivating discussion on consciousness, self-awareness, and the ethical considerations surrounding animal intelligence.

Ludwig Huber studied biology and philosophy at the University of Vienna. He is now the Professor of the Natural Science Foundations of Animal Ethics and Human-Animal Interactions at the Messerli Research Institute, where he is double appointed at both the Vetmeduni Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna. 

There he is the head of the Unit of Comparative Cognition. His research focuses on animal cognition in a broad, comparative manner, including such diverse species as humans, dogs, pigeons, tortoises, and archerfish. Ludwig Huber's research has clustered around four topics of animal cognition: perceptual cognition, social cognition, technical cognition and reasoning. 

Key Topics Discussed:

• Animal cognition and AI implications in problem solving strategies
• Evolution of consciousness and forms of animal self-awareness
• Ethical considerations for animal welfare and cognitive abilities
• Brain composition and cognitive capabilities across primate species
• Metacognition and the Theory of Mind in Animal Intelligence

Timestamps:

05:35 The six cognitive areas and social learning.

10:33 Episodic memory and animal future planning.

16:11 Cognitive self-awareness and understanding other's perspectives.

22:26 Studying consciousness and human brain similarities.

29:32 Humans, AI, and energy consumption in technology.

42:41 The link between communication and consciousness.

49:24 Animal's social interactions affect their welfare.

52:07 René Descartes' view on animal treatment and intelligence.

57:15 Children (and animals) struggle with perspective and metacognition.

01:02:47 Romy & Roby: Thoughts on Animal intelligence.

Guest Socials:

Vetmeduni | Website

Clever Dog Lab | Website

Clever Pig Lab | Website