How AI is transforming the lives of billions of animals—and what we can do about it.
AI, ANIMALS, AND US:
What Artificial Intelligence Holds for All Species
by Max Taylor
HarperOne, March 2027
Like it or not, AI is rapidly reshaping human life. But what does it mean for other species? In AI, Animals, and Us, researcher Max Taylor explores the surprising world of whale translators, robot dogs, AI-powered mega-farms, and the even stranger territory that lies ahead.
After reading, you’ll know how AI could:
Reveal what animals are really communicating
Change how you care for your pets
Open up new ways to help wild animals
Transform the lives of farmed animals – for better or worse
Along the way, this book tackles some of the biggest questions around AI:
What’s driving breakneck AI progress, and will it continue?
Could AI itself ever become conscious?
How can we shape AI’s values before they get set in stone?
How do we prepare ourselves—and our fellow species—for such an unpredictable future?
Most AI discussions stop at humans. AI, ANIMALS, AND US explores AI’s sweeping consequences for every species on the planet, not just our own—and how we can shape them while there’s still time. This book is for readers drawn to the big-picture thinking of Sapiens, the wonder of My Octopus Teacher, or the sharp futuristic vision of Black Mirror.
Max Taylor is a Senior Researcher at Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE), where he helps identify particularly promising organizations and projects for animal advocacy donors. Prior to ACE, he spent six years in the U.K. Civil Service, most recently leading on the government’s animal welfare labelling policy. Alongside his work at ACE, he works on various projects seeking to ensure AI benefits all species, including writing the monthly Sentient Futures newsletter. He also serves on the executive committee of the U.K. Labour Party’s Animal Welfare Society.

When George Mack asked the internet a deceptively simple question, his essay sparked word-of-mouth sensation. The question: If you were stuck in a foreign jail cell and could only call one person you know for help, who would it be? That’s the highest-agency person you know—someone with the drive and resourcefulness to solve problems that most would consider impossible.
Markus Bennemann loves our fellow creatures. But he also knows they can be anything but loveable.
You arrive at the world’s largest mahjong tournament ready for relaxation and fun. But when the returning champion drops dead from a poison-coated tile, enigmatic Detective Victoria Sharpe gives you a number of crucial tasks to help her catch the killer:
Two years ago, the best AI agents could autonomously complete tasks that took a human expert roughly six minutes to complete. Today, top AI agents across nearly all white-collar industries can complete the workday of the smartest humans in less time than a coffee break—at a fraction of the cost.