Bonobo Chat, An App For Talking With Apes

Bonobo Chat is an app that enables Bonobo apes and humans to communicate through lexigrams—abstract symbols that represent words. Bonobos or humans can compose lexigram sequences using the app’s touchscreen interface. Humans can also speak English and have the app translate their speech to lexigrams. Additionally, the app will allow Bonobos to operate remote doors, vending machines, and even a “RoboBonobo” robot. The app is being developed by Ken Schweller of the Great Ape Trust in Iowa. Schweller is raising funds for the app on Kickstarter.

via io9 & IEEE Spectrum