Scientists have developed a new technology capable of detecting smells and recreating them at distant locations, potentially allowing people to experience scents during video calls, online shopping and other digital interactions.
Researchers at Ohio State University in the United States, working with collaborators in China, developed the system known as Scentronic, which uses artificial intelligence to identify odors and transmit information about them over the internet.
According to Reuters, the technology combines an electronic nose equipped with gas sensors and a machine-learning system that identifies specific smells.
The information is then transmitted to a receiving device, which releases scent molecules to recreate the original aroma.
The researchers have successfully tested the system with five familiar smells: coffee, cake, oranges, beer and red wine.
In one experiment involving 14 volunteers, participants correctly identified the recreated scents approximately 73% of the time.
The technology could eventually allow people to share the smell of food with friends and family living overseas, experience scents during video conversations or sample perfumes and other products while shopping online.
Researchers have also developed wearable versions of the scent-generating device, including wristbands and necklaces.
However, the technology remains experimental and cannot reproduce every smell. The receiving device must contain the appropriate scented liquids to recreate a particular aroma.
Scientists say further improvements are needed to expand the range of detectable scents, improve accuracy and develop smaller, more practical devices.
The findings were published in the scientific journal Science Advances. (Newswire)
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