The dilemma of the internet is that you can see and hear everything – but not feel it. You can’t taste, smell, or savor anything, and VR glasses won’t help with that either. But that’s exactly what’s supposed to change in the future, with the Internet of Senses. And there are already a few pilot projects such as the “Virtual Lemonade” by the National University of Singapore.
Can you taste what I am tasting?
How great would it be if you could really simulate the aroma of your favorite freshly ground coffee online? How amazing would it be if you could actually taste the latest single origin espresso from Peru online – if you could really get the flavor right?
In the aforementioned “Virtual Lemonade”, a sensor captures information from the original drink, such as color and pH value. The sensor sends the information to a customized tumbler that contains pure water. The device evaluates the info and simulates the color of the original via LED, while metal strips on the rim of the cup create the taste by electrically stimulating the tongue. *
Hm. For real?
Honestly, even by watching the corresponding You-Tube clip (www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8gTsGr2JpA), I can’t really imagine that electrical stimulation on my tongue can fake the 800 flavors of my coffee. Especially since the grinding degree, and water, and preparation method with their specific sensory impressions would also have to be considered.
Of course, the Internet of Senses would open up incredible possibilities. But I wonder whether people would then start to solely go out digitally – because it’s absolutely convenient. And what consequences would that have for our consumer behavior? For stores? For cities? For mobility? For our bodies? For our “social being” (because that’s what people are – most of them)? For our society? Phew.
So, at the moment I can’t really imagine it – which does not mean anything. Who could have imagined the web in 1989? Or that today AI is creating images and texts so well that you don’t or hardly notice it.
By the way: The articles, texts, photos, and graphics here on our blog are thought through, written, and laid out by real people. That is certainly more expensive than AI (if you have then learned how to use it properly). But we think it’s worth it – in every respect. Because this way we master our editorial articles. Because in our value system fakes, false information, and manipulations have no place. Because we believe that people prefer (and are better at) communicating with “real” people. Because creativity is unique. Just like our coffees.
What do you think? What do you think about AI-generated texts and images? What do you think can be achieved by the Internet of Senses? Would you use the “scent and taste web”? Let us know in the comments – we are looking forward to reading your opinions.
