MotionToTaste

MotionToTaste is a sensory substitution system developed by the research team at SensoryTech Laboratories in 2021. The device is a lightweight vest that contains an array of vibration motors strategically positioned along the torso. When a user ingests a food or beverage, an embedded sensor that measures the chemical composition of the substance relays information to a microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the data and activates a specific pattern of motors that is intended to evoke a perceived taste sensation in the wearer. The concept is based on research that demonstrates the brain’s ability to map non‑taste sensory stimulation onto flavor perception, a phenomenon first documented in the early 2000s by neurophysiologists studying cross‑modal plasticity.

The core technology uses a small, non‑invasive electroencephalography (EEG) headset and a chemoinformatic algorithm that classifies flavor profiles into four basic categories: sweet, salty, sour, and umami. Once a flavor is identified, the algorithm matches it to a predefined motion profile. The profiles are composed of variations in vibration intensity, frequency, and spatial pattern to provide the user with an approximation of the flavor. Studies conducted at the University of Northbridge in 2022 reported that participants could correctly identify the intended flavor in roughly 70% of trials, suggesting that the system has potential for use by individuals with taste disorders or as a tool for culinary education.

Commercial releases of MotionToTaste have been announced for 2024, targeting hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and culinary institutes. Critics point out that the system does not convey the complexity of real taste experiences and that its accuracy is highly dependent on the quality of the sensors and the user’s individual sensitivity. Proponents argue that the device provides a non‑invasive means for enhancing sensory experience for people with compromised gustatory functions.

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