Digital Scent Technology: Toward the Internet of Senses and the Metaverse

Abstract

Multisensory technologies have paved the way for the collective transfer and sharing of the senses on the Internet. The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) community considers digital olfactory stimulation to be a helpful step in developing technology related to digital multisensory communication. This article provides a brief overview of digital scent technology through the recent electrical interfaces and past commercial efforts using chemical odors. We present the practical application of technology in the field of digital communication, marketing, and well being. We also discuss the commercial use of the Internet of Senses (IoS) and its cornerstone IMT-2030 (6G), contributing to the intimate nature of multisensory experiences from reality. Finally, we observe a symbiotic relationship between the future technologies of the IoS and the Metaverse, with 6G being the connecting link and the primary activator of the multisensory experiences.