Scientists have developed a prototype system capable of transmitting and recreating smells over the internet, a step toward adding olfactory sensations to digital communication. The technology, termed Scentronic, uses an electronic nose to detect specific scents at one location, converts the information into digital data, and sends it to a remote device that reproduces the smell.
The system currently recognises and recreates five distinct aromas: coffee, cake, oranges, beer, and red wine. The electronic nose contains six gas sensors that identify volatile organic compounds, which are chemical molecules responsible for odors, by producing patterns of electrical signals. These patterns are analysed by an artificial intelligence system trained to distinguish the scents with over 96 percent accuracy.
On the receiving end, a separate device contains small reservoirs of scented liquids and electrically vibrating discs that release a fine mist to simulate the transmitted aroma. The vibration intensity controls the strength of the emitted scent. However, the system does not transmit the actual molecules but instead recreates the smell using a predetermined palette of fragrances. This limits the ability to reproduce specific varieties of a scent, such as a particular type of coffee, or to generate arbitrary smells on demand.
Developed by a research team led by Chunyu Yang at Ohio State University, the technology aims to fill a gap in sensory digital communication, which has traditionally focused on sight, sound, and touch. The proof-of-concept findings, published in the journal Science Advances, demonstrated that human participants correctly identified the artificially generated aromas about 73 percent of the time.
The idea of incorporating scent into media is not new. In the 1960s, cinemas experimented with Smell-O-Vision to release scents alongside film scenes, and more recently, a company developed a peripheral device called iSmell intended to diffuse fragrances linked to online content; that venture was discontinued before reaching the market.
While the practical applications of internet-transmitted smells remain speculative, experts suggest potential uses in virtual reality experiences, remote socialising, and even medical diagnostics. The technology could allow users to virtually “share” dinners or sample perfumes remotely. However, some observers note the novelty might also raise questions about the future impact on industries like perfume manufacturing.
As the system evolves, researchers anticipate broadening the range of detectable and reproducible scents, which currently remains limited. Though still in its early stages, this olfactory interface represents a novel dimension in digital communication, expanding sensory interaction beyond traditional modalities.