In 2001: A Space Odyssey, a mysterious monolith appears before a group of our ape-like ancestors. Startled by the alien device, a few brave individuals approach it cautiously at first, and eventually the whole troop gathers around to investigate. Now, thanks to primatologists from Emory University and computer scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology, capuchin monkeys in a Costa Rican forest preserve have had a similar, real-life experience. The researchers recently published their findings in the American Journal of Primatology.
The team started by building a homebrew AI-powered facial recognition program called CapuchinAI. They then installed it on a computer outfitted with a camera and touchscreen, loaded it in a protective DIY box, and included a dispenser to dole out dried forest banana slices.
