Scent machines enable smelling in VR games
Researchers from Sweden have developed scent machines for gaming controllers that enable smelling within VR games. The new technology can be produced with a 3D printer.
The way we experience computer games has changed significantly in recent years. While you could still count pixels up until the turn of the millennium, today we encounter extremely clear and sharp graphics. Added to this are new technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which are becoming increasingly relevant.
A new development from Stockholm University and the University of Malmö should make virtual reality even more realistic. Because a new technology should enable smelling within VR games. The researchers have integrated small scent machines directly into the system controller.
Smelling in VR games: volunteers experience wine tasting
The researchers tested the technology with a wine simulator. Test persons could hold virtual glasses in their hands and guess the type of wine, or more precisely the taste, based on the smell. As soon as the players held the controller to their noses, it emitted a corresponding aroma.
The integrated scent machines, in turn, come from a 3D printer. In order to advance the technology, all instructions are freely available on the Internet. The areas of application are diverse. In addition to the entertainment aspect, medical use is also conceivable.
Can be used in the medical field or for entertainment
Especially during the corona pandemic, many people lost their sense of smell. The VR system could meanwhile help the sick to smell or taste better again. In addition to the untapped potential, however, there is another challenge.
Because even if many test persons were enthusiastic at first, their motivation was quickly lost. Because over time, virtual wine tasting seems to have reached its limits. However, since the instructions for the technology are freely available, it remains to be seen whether and to what extent it can be further developed.
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