Scientists Build Wearable Device That Can Deliver Digital Scents

Ohio State researchers have built a prototype system that can detect food odors with an artificial intelligence-powered electronic nose and deliver scents through a wearable device.

The system pairs the electronic nose with Scentronic, a programmable odor generator. Researchers made wristband and necklace versions, pointing toward digital experiences that could include smell alongside sight, sound and touch.

Led by Jinghua Li, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State, the team trained the system on five food scents: coffee, beer, red wine, orange and chocolate cake. Participants identified individual odors about 73% of the time and paired scents about 71% of the time.

The wristband can be lifted toward the nose when a wearer wants to smell a scent. The necklace version has five odor channels that open when they receive a signal. The study was published in Science Advances.

The work remains at the prototype stage. Researchers say possible future uses include virtual training, entertainment and research into sensory systems. The study does not establish a treatment for loss of smell.

The team plans to test ways to build the technology into everyday accessories, including watches and other wearable electronics.