Researchers at a bonobo (like a chimp, only smaller and more sex-crazed) sanctuary in Des Moines are experimenting with giving the apes tablet computers, which they can then use to pilot remote bonobo robots with water cannons. Yup — but apparently this is real science. The tablets also let them open doors, activate vending machines, and communicate with their keepers.

And they’re not the first Midwestern researchers to see the obvious fact that great apes and tables computers belong together: the zoo in Milwaukee is working to give iPads to orangutans. (“iPads for Orangutans” — I’d give to that charity.)