The advancing technology paves the way for groundbreaking inventions that leave people amazed. Scientists have developed a surprising device for those who wish to experience taste in virtual reality. Resembling a lollipop in its structure, this invention allows users to perceive flavors in virtual reality by generating electric currents.
A Lollipop-Like Device That Lets You Taste Flavors in Virtual Reality
Developed through the collaboration of researchers from China, Hong Kong, and Japan, the device, simply referred to as an “electric lollipop,” operates in a rather peculiar way. The invention can produce a total of nine different flavors, delivering them to the user through electric currents.
To elaborate, the device utilizes a jelly-like material that holds safe and edible chemicals, which are transferred to the user’s tongue via an iontophoresis method. The intensity of the electric currents determines the flavor of the virtual food or drink you might see while playing a VR game or watching a movie.
The device also integrates a scent interface with seven different aroma channels. This addition enables users to enjoy a more immersive sensory experience by combining taste and smell in the VR environment.
Some might find the concept of applying electricity to the tongue odd. However, researchers emphasize that the lollipop does not directly shock the tongue with electricity. Instead, the electrical stimulation is kept at a very low level to ensure safety.
Although this invention appears to be groundbreaking, the electric lollipop’s current flavor production is limited. It can replicate flavors such as sugar, salt, citric acid, cherry, green tea, milk, durian, and grapefruit. Nonetheless, future advancements could create opportunities for expanding this technology’s capabilities.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think the electric lollipop developed for VR technologies could become popular?
