Recently, a team from The Ohio State University in the United States published their research findings in Science Advances.
They have launched a remote scent transmission system called Scentronic. Relying on wearable receiver devices, it achieves the digitalization of scents and their remote reproduction over networks for the first time, moving the concept of "transmitting aromas" across distances from imagination to laboratory verification.
The entire system consists of three parts: an electronic nose transmitter, a cloud transmission module, and a wearable receiver device.
The AI electronic nose captures scent molecules in the air, identifies scent characteristics, and converts them into digital signals, which are then uploaded to the cloud via Wi-Fi for forwarding. The receiver comes in two wearable forms: a wristband and a necklace. It features a five-channel piezoelectric atomization device that releases corresponding fragrance particles upon receiving signals, allowing users to smell the replicated scent when they bring the device close.
During the testing phase, the team conducted experiments using five basic scents: cake, coffee, orange, red wine, and beer. Sixteen volunteers participated in blind tests and were able to accurately distinguish these five types of scents.
This device can transmit scent data in real time and store scent samples in the cloud for on-demand access. In the future, it could be used for remote companionship, live food streaming, metaverse sensory experiences, and other scenarios.
The researchers also stated that this technology is currently still in the prototype experimental stage, with significant limitations: the variety of scents that can be replicated is very limited, and the accuracy of reproducing complex mixed scents is constrained. Wearable devices need to be close to the face to effectively detect the scents, meaning there is still a long way to go before commercial application.
It is important to note that it cannot directly generate arbitrary scents out of thin air. Essentially, it digitally samples scents first, then atomizes and releases pre-configured fragrance sources, thereby filling the gap in sensory transmission beyond sight and sound.