Researchers at Ohio State University have developed Scentronic, a remote scent transmission system. The technology, detailed in Science Advances, allows for the digitization and transmission of specific aromas over a network.
The system consists of an AI-powered electronic nose, a cloud transmission module, and a wearable receiver. The electronic nose captures scent molecules, converts them into digital signals, and transmits them via Wi-Fi. The receiver, available as a bracelet or necklace, uses a five-channel piezoelectric atomizer to release corresponding scent particles.
During testing, 16 volunteers successfully identified five distinct scents: cake, coffee, orange, red wine, and beer. The system supports real-time transmission and cloud storage of scent data for future retrieval.
The developers noted that the technology is currently in the prototype stage. Limitations include a small library of reproducible scents, challenges in replicating complex mixtures, and the requirement for the device to be positioned close to the user's face.
