BLUF

Researchers developed an AI-powered wearable system that detects, transmits, and recreates smells online with about 70% accuracy. The technology could enable scent-enabled VR, shopping, social interactions, and healthcare, though further development is needed.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Explain why smell is more difficult to digitise than sight and sound, including the role of chemical compounds and the challenges of capturing, transmitting, and reproducing odours.
  • Describe how AI and machine-learning technologies are used to detect, classify, and transmit scents through wearable devices such as bracelets and necklaces.
  • Evaluate the potential applications and limitations of digital smell technology in areas such as virtual reality, online shopping, social interaction, and healthcare. 

References