Animals are communicating -- but what are they saying? And can we talk back? Marine biologist David Gruber introduces Project CETI: a team of scientists, linguists and AI specialists hoping to decode sperm whale language. Using noninvasive robots and a machine-learning algorithm to collect and analyze millions of sperm whale vocalizations known as coda, the team aims to demystify the communication structures and dialects of these majestic creatures -- and possibly even crack the interspecies communication code. (This ambitious plan is a part of the Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.)

David Gruber: Can we learn to talk to sperm whales?

Can we learn to talk to sperm whales?

Marine biologist and President of Project CETI

Machine learning may decode sperm whale dialects, mapping patterns in higher-dimensional space for interspecies dialogue.

Aiming to understand and converse with sperm whales, Project CETI uses noninvasive tech to collect millions of vocalizations.

Unlocking sperm whale secrets: Project CETI uses AI and robotics to decode and hopefully converse with these ocean giants.