Track 1: AI for Decoding Animal Communication

How might we use multi-modal AI to decode and interpret animal communication, such as Moodeng’s behaviors, vocalizations, and expressions, using live-stream data as input? Can AI truly help translate what Moodeng “thinks”? 

In this groundbreaking challenge track, participants will develop AI systems capable of decoding and interpreting complex animal communication patterns through multi-modal analysis. The primary focus is on creating systems that can process and analyze real-time data, particularly from Moodeng and other selected species, to understand their various forms of communication.

Recent breakthroughs in animal communication research have revealed increasingly sophisticated patterns in how animals communicate. From the discovery of name-like calls in African elephants to the identification of phonetic structures in sperm whale vocalizations, we now know that animal communication is far more complex than previously understood. This track challenges participants to build upon these discoveries using advanced AI techniques.

Participants must develop systems capable of processing multiple communication channels simultaneously. This includes analyzing visual cues such as body posture, facial expressions, and movement patterns; acoustic signals including vocalizations, infrasonic communications, and environmental interaction sounds; and behavioral patterns that might indicate emotional states or intentions. The challenge particularly emphasizes the importance of understanding communication in context, recognizing that animal expressions vary significantly based on environmental conditions, social situations, and individual histories.

Track 2: AI for Promoting Human-Animal Interaction & Appreciation

How might such a system be leveraged to facilitate respectful human-animal interactions? Additionally, what AI interface would best enable this interaction, sparking deeper reflection and awareness of our relationship with nature?

This track challenges participants to create innovative AI systems that facilitate meaningful connections between humans and animals while ensuring respectful boundaries and promoting conservation awareness. The goal is to develop interfaces that not only interpret animal behavior but also help humans understand and appreciate the complexity of animal lives and their crucial role in our ecosystem.

Participants must design systems that serve as bridges between species, enabling humans to better understand and respect animal behavior while ensuring animal welfare. These systems should go beyond simple behavior translation to create engaging, educational experiences that foster emotional connections and conservation awareness. 

For the Moodeng-focused track, participants should consider the unique opportunity presented by the global popularity of this charismatic species. The challenge is to leverage this attention to create deeper understanding of not just pygmy hippopotamuses, but the broader ecosystem they represent. Systems should help viewers of Moodeng’s livestream understand the significance of observed behaviors, the importance of habitat preservation, and the interconnected nature of species survival. The interface design should facilitate different levels of engagement, from casual observation to deeper scientific understanding. This might include real-time interpretation of Moodeng’s behaviors, educational content triggered by specific observed activities, or interactive elements that help viewers understand the challenges faced by pygmy hippopotamuses in the wild. The system should be capable of adapting its communication style based on the user’s level of expertise and interest, from children to conservation scientists.

Track 3: AI for Augmenting Zoo Keepers

How might we empower zoo keepers with AI companions that handle routine tasks, enabling them to focus on what matters most – building meaningful relationships with animals and providing exceptional care?

Behind every happy hippo like Moodeng is a dedicated team of zoo keepers who pour their hearts into providing the best possible care. These amazing individuals often juggle countless tasks – from careful health monitoring to detailed record-keeping – while trying to spend quality time understanding and bonding with their animal companions. Zoos around the world often also don’t have the resources to store, compute, and automate insights from video footage. 

This track challenges participants to create thoughtful AI solutions that lift the administrative burden from our zoo keepers’ shoulders and enable them to do even better. Participants must design solutions that understand the delicate balance of a zoo keeper’s responsibilities. These systems should go beyond simple automation to create intelligent workflows that adapt to each keeper’s unique routine and each animal’s specific needs. The solutions should enhance the keeper’s ability to make informed decisions about animal care while streamlining the sharing of critical information across care teams. This might include automated behavior logging during enrichment activities, smart alerts for subtle changes in patterns, and efficient ways to share insights across the care team. The solution should also consider how to thoughtfully integrate community contributions, allowing keepers to leverage public engagement while maintaining professional standards of care. 

 Here are some possible pathways: 

1. The Keeper’s Companion – This pathway focuses on creating an intuitive AI assistant that works alongside keepers throughout their day. The system should understand the natural flow of keeper activities, automatically documenting observations while allowing keepers to stay fully present with their animals. 

2. Care & Connection Insights – This pathway emphasizes the development of intelligent systems that help keepers better understand and anticipate their animals’ needs. Solutions should surface meaningful patterns in behavioral and health data, enabling proactive care decisions that can be made with evidence and in a collaborative manner. 

3. Community of Care – There are plenty of CCTV footage but not enough eyes. This pathway explores how to thoughtfully integrate public participation into professional animal care. Solutions should create structured ways for the internet community to contribute positively while ensuring that all information passes through appropriate professional validation. 

Bonus Track: Sustainable AI Solutions

How might we design smaller, energy-efficient models that retain powerful capabilities? Can we create powerful AI tools that minimize environmental impact, proving that technological advancement and conservation can go hand in hand?

Participants in either Track 1, 2, or 3 are encouraged to incorporate sustainable AI practices into their solutions.

When developing solutions for either main track, participants are encouraged to consider the environmental impact of their AI systems and implement sustainable practices in their design. This additional focus challenges participants to push the boundaries of efficient AI design while maintaining powerful capabilities for their chosen track’s objectives. Solutions should strive to achieve high performance while significantly reducing computational resources and energy consumption. This consideration is particularly relevant in wildlife conservation contexts, where resources may be limited and minimizing environmental impact is crucial. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative approaches to model optimization, such as developing specialized architectures, implementing efficient processing of multi-modal data streams, and creating adaptive systems that can scale their resource usage based on current needs.

Prizes

Recognition from MIT and collaborators of the Moodeng AI Challenge

Grand Prize:

• $3,000 award for Best Overall Project
• Exclusive meeting with Moodeng on July 10, 2025
• Complimentary flight for one team representative (supported by ViaLink)

Track Winners (4): 

• Participation in the exclusive meeting with Moodeng
• $500 award per track
• Complimentary flight for one team representative per winning team (supported by ViaLink)

Timelines

• Submission start: Jan 21, 2025
• Submission end: May 30, 2025
• Judging: June 1, 2025
• Announcement: June 10, 2025
• Public event: July 9, 2025
• Moodeng trip: July 10, 2025