Scientists develop Scentronic platform to transmit aromas via internet

An international research team from Ohio State University and Zhejiang Laboratory has developed Scentronic, a technological platform designed to detect, transmit, and reproduce scents remotely using artificial intelligence. Published in the journal Science Advances, the system aims to integrate olfactory and gustatory senses into digital environments.

The technology operates through two cloud-connected modules. An electronic nose equipped with semiconductor sensors captures volatile substances, using machine learning algorithms to identify chemical patterns. A receiver module then processes this digital data to activate ultrasonic piezoelectric actuators. These actuators atomize small droplets of stored fragrances from wearable devices, such as bracelets, necklaces, or handheld accessories, with an average latency of 65 milliseconds.

Potential applications include remote medical assessments to diagnose olfactory disorders like hyposmia or parosmia, as well as integration with mixed reality devices and smart cups to simulate flavors. The technology is currently in the experimental phase and requires further testing for mass-market viability.