It’s the Royal Treatment for These Curious Cats

Cats have been beloved pets for thousands of years, and their personalities have been the subject of much fascination and speculation.

Some believe that cats are aloof and independent creatures who are indifferent to humans, while others see them as affectionate and loyal companions.

Cats, like humans, are individuals and their personalities can vary widely. Some cats are outgoing and social, while others are more reserved and solitary. Some cats are very affectionate with their humans, while others prefer to keep their distance. However, cats can experience a range of emotions, including joy, fear, and anxiety.

One of the most common misconceptions about cats is that they are completely independent and don’t need or want companionship. While it’s true that cats are generally more independent than dogs, they can still crave attention and affection.

So, what is the truth about cat personality, and do cats really need humans?

In their newest artwork, UK-based Blast Theory asks this very question and explores how Artificial Intelligence will affect us all.

In this world premiere of Cat Royale, three cats live in a visually stunning utopian environment, which will be streamed to Curiocity Brisbane from the UK. As the cats go about their day, eating, playing and exploring, a dedicated Artificial Intelligence system watches them, learns what they like best, and controls a robot arm that offers a massage, throws a ball or dangles a feather to increase the happiness of the cats.

Cat Royale asks: How intelligent are these systems? Can a computer make us happier? And should it even try?

To ensure the comfort and safety of the cats, experts in animal welfare have been involved in the design of the project from the start and are guiding the project throughout all phases of Cat Royale. Please see Blast Theory’s “frequently asked questions” for more detail about the wellbeing of the Cat Royale cats, or read the Cat Royale Q&A with Blast Theory blog.

Cat Royale is made possible by the Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS) Hub and is a collaboration with the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Nottingham. Blast Theory are Cultural Ambassadors for the TAS Hub. The TAS Hub is a collaborative research team from the Universities of Southampton, Nottingham and King’s College London. The Hub sits at the centre of the £33m Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Programme, funded by the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund.

For more information visit Blast Theory’s Cat Royale FAQ page.