DOCOMO Unveils Innovative Taste-Sharing Technology

NTT DOCOMO, Miyashita Laboratory of the School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences, Meiji University, and H2L Inc have collaborated to develop a groundbreaking technology that allows taste information to be shared between individuals through a human-augmentation platform created by DOCOMO.

The technology, believed to be the world's first of its kind, consists of a sensing device that detects data on a person's perception of taste, a human-augmentation platform that considers individual differences in sensitivity to share the taste, and a "driving" device that reproduces the taste for others to enjoy.

Using a proprietary algorithm, the human-augmentation platform analyzes and quantifies a specific taste, estimating how the first person perceived it based on approximately 25 data points. The taste is then reproduced using the driving device, allowing it to be shared with others.

The driving device is capable of reproducing the five basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami) using 20 types of base liquids. For related tastes, a base solution is used. This technology enables the clear sharing of tastes that are difficult to convey through words alone.

This innovative technology is expected to revolutionize virtual experiences in the metaverse space, which has traditionally been limited to visual and auditory sensations. By incorporating taste expressions, users will be able to enjoy extra-rich content and experiences, providing an unprecedented sense of presence.

DOCOMO, Miyashita Laboratory, and H2L will continue to develop solutions for sharing taste perceptions based on this new technology. Their goal is to create a new communication culture and enhance the quality of life by offering new value to users.

Introduction during "docomo Open House '24' Event

This groundbreaking technology will be introduced during the "docomo Open House '24" online event, starting on January 17. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the technology and its potential applications.

Deployment in the 6G Era

In the upcoming 6G era, where mobile networks will support high data-rate communication exceeding 100Gbps with extremely low latency and massive connectivity, this new technology will find applications in metaverse spaces and in combination with movies, animations, and other content, enabling entirely new forms of communication.

By deploying this technology in metaverse spaces, people will be able to enjoy virtual food and beverages, adding the sense of taste to the conventional visual and auditory senses. Imagine gathering with friends to enjoy a cup of coffee in a virtual cafe or savoring a meal in a digital space.

Furthermore, experiences that were previously limited to visual and auditory sensations in movies can now be enjoyed in a whole new dimension. For instance, an extraordinary meal being consumed in an ancient or futuristic movie setting can be shared with the audience by reproducing the intended tastes envisioned by the director, providing a richer and more immersive experience.