Now You Can Taste in VR — Here’s How It Works
A new technology called ‘e-Taste’ could soon make it possible to experience taste in virtual reality (VR). Developed by researchers at The Ohio State University, this innovative system uses sensors and wireless chemical dispensers to simulate different tastes remotely, adding a new sensory layer to the VR experience.
How e-Taste Works
The e-Taste interface is designed with special sensors that detect glucose and glutamate molecules, representing the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. These sensors send electrical signals to a remote device, which can then recreate the taste for the user.
The technology involves a small actuator with a mouth interface and an electromagnetic pump. When an electric charge passes through the pump, it vibrates and pushes a chemical solution through a gel layer into the user’s mouth. By adjusting the interaction time with the gel, the intensity of the taste can be customized.
Bridging the Gap in Sensory Technology
Assistant Professor Jinghua Li, a co-author of the study, explained that the chemical senses, such as taste and smell, are underrepresented in current VR and augmented reality (AR) technologies. This new development aims to fill that gap, enhancing virtual experiences with taste sensations.
Promising Test Results
During testing, participants could differentiate between varying intensities of sour flavours with about 70% accuracy. The e-taste technology also demonstrated long-range capabilities, allowing users in California to experience tastes generated in Ohio.
In one experiment, subjects identified virtual food items like lemonade, cake, fried egg, fish soup, and coffee based on the simulated taste, showcasing the potential of the technology to create immersive food experiences in virtual spaces.
Beyond Gaming: Broader Applications
While e-Taste could elevate VR gaming experiences, it also offers potential benefits in healthcare and accessibility. The technology might support people with sensory impairments, including conditions like Long Covid or traumatic brain injuries that affect taste.
Future Plans for e-Taste
The research team plans to miniaturize the device further and enhance its compatibility with different food chemicals. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of the metaverse by creating more dynamic and inclusive virtual interactions.
The study, which represents a significant step toward blending taste into digital environments, was published in the journal Science Advances. The team includes researchers from Ohio State University, Dalian University of Technology, the National University of Singapore, and Tsinghua University.
“This is just the beginning,” said Li. “We are excited about the possibilities of connecting people in virtual spaces in ways never seen before.”
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
