Rats are constantly talking to each other. Boston is using AI to eavesdrop (www.wbur.org)

Boston has launched an innovative partnership with the Basis Research Institute to combat its urban rat population using cutting-edge AI technology. On display during the city's National Urban Rat Summit, the initiative involves deploying ultrasonic microphones that capture and decode rat vocalizations, which are inaudible to humans. By gathering data from over 1.2 million recorded rat calls, the research aims to map rat behavior and locations, helping to develop more effective deterrent strategies. This project is significant for the AI/ML community as it demonstrates the application of machine learning to analyze complex animal communication and behavior at scale. The AI models trained by Basis can not only identify rat noises in real time but also differentiate between behaviors, such as foraging or aggression, potentially revealing cultural differences between rat populations in different cities. The study raises important questions about the ethical implications of audio surveillance, particularly concerning human privacy, with the researchers ensuring that their technology filters out human speech. By leveraging AI for urban pest management, Boston aims to pioneer a new approach to dealing with a long-standing public health issue, emphasizing not only the importance of technological advancements but also the need for community engagement in such initiatives.