Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas

Now, while we don't know what a parrot understands about being online, we're still very much looking at this with people, what this starts to imply is that parrots somehow are able to tell and potentially make some understanding of being in the digital world.

Now, parrots don't live alone.

They also live with their caregivers.

And so we also ask their caregivers, how did they find this system?

Because part of making technology for animals is also making sure that it works for those around them.

When we surveyed all caregivers, what we found is that 100% of caregivers said that their bird benefited from this system.

They said that they felt closer to the bird, that it helped their relationship with their bird, and they had more trust in there.

However, beyond these different animals using the system, and there's much more out there, the findings really go beyond this.

We are starting to begin to uncover, really, that animals have social awareness and understanding of potentially being online and each other.

By using the systems with animals, we're starting to discover that animals have really complex and deep needs.

They have lots of different emotions and maybe they prefer heavy traffic noise rather than Taylor Swift like us, but we're starting to uncover more about them as we go.

I also see a really bright future for this sort of technology.

Imagine if you put your dog into the vet and you're still able to connect with them to video call and they're still able to connect with their friends.

We keep many animals in zoos that for, as I mentioned, whatever reason are separated.

Maybe we could use technologies to connect animals together and keep in touch with family groups.

Now, I'm biased because I build this technology, but I really see the enormous potential that this technology can bring.

It's got so many exciting possibilities, and 100% of animals we've given this technology to so far use it, and it benefits the relationship with their caregivers.

So the next time you make a video call to a loved one, just remember that a parent might be doing the same, reaching out across the divide, seeking connection and companionship in their own unique way.

Thank you very much.