The Need
Current virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) platforms lack integration of gustatory (taste) sensations, limiting user immersion and sensory engagement. Existing human-machine interfaces focus primarily on visual, auditory, and haptic feedback, neglecting the chemical dimension of taste. This gap restricts applications in digital food experiences, remote sensory testing, and immersive environments, where taste perception is essential for realism and user satisfaction.

The Technology
This technology, developed by OSU engineers, is a bio-integrated gustatory interface, “e-Taste,” that enables remote capture and replication of taste sensations. It couples a sensor platform that detects concentrations of five basic taste chemicals with an electromagnetic actuator system that delivers controlled tastant solutions to the user via a microfluidic interface. Wireless communication modules link the sensor and actuator, allowing taste information to be transmitted and recreated across physical distances, bridging real and virtual environments.

Commercial Applications
• Immersive gaming and entertainment in VR/AR
• Remote food and beverage tasting for online shopping
• Sensory rehabilitation and testing in healthcare
• Quality assurance and flavor calibration in food manufacturing

Benefits/Advantages
• Outperforms bulky or limited existing taste interfaces
• Elevates VR/AR immersion
• Flexible, wearable, and unobtrusive design
• Programmable mixing and spatial targeting of taste profiles
• Robust, safe, and mechanically stable operation validated in human subject testing