Virtual reality begins to smell.(Technology)

Electronic noses could one day be incorporated into virtual reality (VR) systems to add realista to simulations of holiday experiences, such as safaris which are taking place in real time, thousands of miles away.

Mobile aroma recreation system (MARS) devices, developed by researchers at the University of Warwick, UK, could be used to recreate these detected odours for VR users in real-time with the help of electronic noses. Computer controlled mixtures of 6-12 odour chemicals would be released into user's noses to simulate smells, creating a more realistic VR experience.

A mock-up of the VR system was showcased at the EPSRC Pioneers 09 event in London, UK. …