Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a technology called e-Taste, which enables users to experience taste sensations in virtual reality (VR). This system, described in Science Advances, integrates chemical stimulation with digital environments, allowing users to perceive flavors while interacting in virtual spaces.

The device uses sensors and chemical dispensers to simulate taste. In a VR setting, users could experience the sweetness of virtual cake or the bitterness of coffee without consuming actual food. This advancement adds a new sensory dimension to VR, which has traditionally focused on visual and auditory experiences.

How e-taste Functions?

The e-Taste system consists of a sensor-actuator interface that interacts with the user’s mouth. It contains sensors capable of recognizing molecules such as glucose and glutamate, which correspond to the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Once detected, these molecular signals are converted into an electrical signal and transmitted wirelessly to a remote device, where the taste sensation is reproduced.

The system delivers taste stimuli through a chemical dispensing mechanism, which includes an electromagnetic pump and a gel interface. When activated, the pump releases controlled amounts of chemical compounds that interact with the gel layer, allowing for precise adjustments in taste intensity. The system can also combine multiple tastes simultaneously, enabling it to simulate complex flavor profiles.

Remote Taste Transmission And User Testing

Experiments conducted by the research team demonstrated that participants could distinguish varying levels of sourness with approximately 70% accuracy. The technology was also tested for remote transmission of taste signals, allowing users in Ohio to experience simulated flavors from locations as far away as California.

This capability has several potential applications. Virtual dining experiences could allow users in different locations to share a meal and perceive the same flavors. Gaming experiences could incorporate taste elements, enhancing immersion. The system may also benefit individuals with taste disorders or sensory impairments, including those affected by conditions such as long COVID, which can alter taste perception.

Potential For Broader Applications

The introduction of taste to virtual environments is part of a broader effort to develop multisensory VR systems. Researchers suggest that integrating taste with other sensory inputs, such as smell and texture, could further enhance the realism of digital experiences.

Several challenges remain. Taste perception is influenced by multiple factors, including temperature, texture, and aroma, which are not yet incorporated into the system. Future developments may involve aroma delivery systems and haptic feedback to simulate the full sensory experience of consuming food.

The research team is currently working on miniaturizing the device to make it more practical for consumer use. They are also expanding the system’s chemical capabilities to reproduce a wider range of taste sensations.