Japan develops TV screen to help users taste food

A Japanese professor has developed a TV that allows users to touch the screen with their tongue to taste the food. This is a new breakthrough in multi-sensory experience.

According to The Guardian (UK), the device, called Taste the TV, uses a conveyor belt of 10 aromatherapy tubes that combine to create the flavors of specific dishes. Once the aromas are combined, the flavor tubes are transferred to a sanitary pad placed on a flat surface so that the viewer can taste it directly with the tongue.

Yuki Hou, a student at Meiji University in Tokyo, experiences food tasting on Taste the TV. (Photo: Reuters).

Professor Homei Miyashita at Meiji University in Tokyo, said that in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic, this technology can contribute to enhancing the experience that helps people connect and interact with the outside world.

"The purpose is to help users have the experience of enjoying food like eating at a restaurant on the other side of the hemisphere, even at home," said Mr. Miyashita.

Mr. Miyashita, working with a group of about 30 students, has produced a variety of taste-related devices, including plates that make food more flavorful. He said he has built his own prototype TV tasting food for more than a year, the cost of making a commercial version costs about 100,000 yen.

Other potential uses include bartending instruction, remote chef training, as well as puzzle game play. Professor Miyashita is also discussing with companies the possibility of using this technology for devices such as creating pizza, chocolate flavors on a slice of toast.

Yuki Hou, 22 years old, a student at Meiji University, introduced to reporters about Taste the TV. She said into the screen that she wanted to taste sweet chocolate. After repeating it a few times, a 'single latch' automatic voice and flavor sprayer were prepared on top of the film.

'It's like milk chocolate. The taste is as sweet as chocolate,' she said.