Could this VR aroma device be the future of 4D smell-o-vision cinema?

Team in Hong Kong and mainland China says small wireless odour generator can be attached to the skin under the nose or worn as a mask

Researchers suggest scents could also be used in medicine and education as well, helping people trigger memories and communicate

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A research team from universities in Hong Kong and mainland China report they have create a device to introduce virtual smell. The scientists say it can carry scents such as durian, lavender, mojito and pancakes. Photo: Yu Xinge

Published: 9:00am, 23 May 2023

Scientists in Hong Kong and mainland China have developed a wearable device to release aromas as cinema-goers enjoy a 4D movie, students learn about a new plant or doctors help patients recall memories.

The small wireless virtual reality (VR) system can be attached to the skin under the nose or worn as a mask.

A demonstration of the VR interface connecting a user to the virtual subject. The user picks up virtual flowers in front of him, then puts them to his nose for smelling. Photo: Yu Xinge

The odour generators contain paraffin wax mixed with food-grade liquid perfume, which can be heated within 2 seconds to around 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) to release different scents.

The team said they could equip the device with around 100 smells that could be sensed in life, such as durian, lavender, mojito and pancakes.

The scientists from City University of Hong Kong, Beihang University in Beijing and Shandong University published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications on May 9.

VR devices to simulate vision, sound and touch have been widely developed. But creating a system for smell has been challenging. Some designs are bulky with bottles of liquid perfume or wired headsets.

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