As the era of physical AI dawns, enabling interactions based on real-world spatial data, AI technologies are rapidly incorporating human-like senses. While traditional multimodal AI has focused on vision and hearing, the frontier is now expanding into the more complex realms of smell and taste.

AI Sniffs Out New Possibilities

Ilias AI, a South Korean startup specializing in olfactory recognition, is deploying its "Digital Drug Dog"—a scanner-type narcotics detector—at major airports like Incheon and Gimhae. This AI-powered sniffer analyzes odor data collected globally to identify specific substances, offering a non-contact method for detecting drugs and hazardous materials. Ilias AI reports significant improvements in detection rates, with methamphetamine detection rising from 80% to 90% and cannabis detection from 90% to 99%.

This technology not only promises to reduce operational costs compared to traditional drug-sniffing dogs but also minimizes blind spots in detection. With a database of 32,000 digital olfactory samples across various domains, Ilias AI is poised for expansion into the U.S. market.

The applications of olfactory AI extend beyond security. Healthcare startup Ense has developed "AIz Sniff," a solution that stimulates olfactory nerves to detect early signs of dementia. By analyzing olfactory signals transmitted to the frontal lobe, AI can predict a patient's dementia risk. Similarly, U.S.-based Osmo aims to digitize and transmit scent by identifying molecular bonding patterns through AI, potentially enabling remote sensory experiences.

The Taste of Things to Come

In the realm of taste, companies like South Korea's Fresheasy are using AI to recommend optimal recipes for new product development. While current applications focus on analyzing taste data from various cooking methods, the future holds possibilities for AI to learn molecular patterns associated with taste. This could lead to augmented reality (AR) experiences that simulate flavors without physical consumption.

The Multimodal AI Market Heats Up

The global multimodal AI market is booming, projected to reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% by 2032. As physical AI integrates with everyday spaces, the importance of natural interactions will drive the development of AI that can perceive and interpret a wider range of sensory inputs.

Expanding AI's Sensory Horizons

The convergence of AI with human senses is opening up new frontiers in various industries:

Healthcare: AI-powered olfactory diagnostics for early disease detection.
Security: Advanced AI systems for detecting explosives and hazardous materials.
Food and Beverage: AI-driven recipe development and personalized flavor experiences.
Robotics: Enhanced human-robot interactions through sensory perception.
Entertainment: Immersive sensory experiences through virtual and augmented reality.
As AI continues to evolve, its ability to perceive and interpret the world through multiple senses will unlock a new era of possibilities, transforming how we interact with technology and the world around us.