The world has become hyper-connected. The Internet of Things (IoT) phase connected objects and sensors. Technology communicated with technology. Now, evolution continues. One is moving to a new frontier: the Internet of Senses (IoS).
This concept goes beyond simple connection. The goal is to connect human senses. One talks about sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. The experience becomes immersive and personal. This article explores the transition from IoT to IoS. It analyzes the practical applications. It highlights the companies and research driving this change.
From Objects to Sensations: The Research Leaders
IoT created a network of smart devices. Examples include smart thermostats and connected light bulbs. Thus, it focuses on the efficiency of “things.”
The Internet of Senses, however, places the human at the center. Technology receives and processes sensory data. The goal is to replicate, simulate, and even augment the senses. Companies like Meta and Apple are at the forefront. Their research aims to extend our perceptions. Therefore, technology becomes an extension of the human body.
The Five Senses and Technology: A Future Union
The union of senses with technology is no longer science fiction. Various research confirms this. Concrete examples already exist.
1. Sight: Sight is the most advanced sense in the IoS. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are clear examples. Headsets like the Apple Vision Pro and smart glasses like Ray-Ban Meta create immersive visual experiences. On a construction site, a worker can view instructions in real-time. This is thanks to a digital overlay on their reality.
2. Hearing: Hearing is already connected. Smart earbuds can block annoying sounds. They can also amplify desired voices. A study by Ericsson ConsumerLab predicts that by 2030, intelligent devices will send sounds directly to the brain. The acoustic perception will be completely controllable.
3. Touch: Haptic technology is a strong development area. Meta’s Reality Labs is developing haptic gloves that simulate touch. Surgeons can “feel” an operation from a distance. This is thanks to sophisticated robotic systems. In the industrial sector, workers can “touch” a virtual prototype.
4. Taste and Smell: These senses are still in the research phase. However, progress is notable. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies on electronic taste sensors. They are used in the food industry. They can replicate a flavor. The future goal is to create sensors that simulate aromas for digital experiences. One can imagine a virtual dinner with simulated smells and flavors.
Practical Applications and Business Impact
The Internet of Senses offers enormous opportunities for companies. Productivity increases. Services improve. The impact is seen in key sectors, from healthcare to entertainment.
1. A Revolution in Healthcare
IoS is transforming medicine. The integration of sensory data allows for more accurate diagnoses. For example, AI algorithms analyze medical images. They can identify tumors or diseases in their early stages. Often, they do so with higher precision than the human eye. In addition, robotic surgery is already a reality. A surgeon can operate from a distance. They receive haptic feedback. Thus, they can “feel” the resistance of tissues. IoS also allows for remote rehabilitation. Patients wear sensors. They perform exercises in a virtual environment. A therapist can monitor progress in real-time.
2. E-commerce that “Feels”
The retail sector is changing. The shopping experience is becoming sensory. Online stores can offer much more than simple images. Thanks to haptics, a customer can “touch” the texture of a fabric before buying it. Or, they can perceive the weight of a virtual object. In the luxury sector, one can even simulate personalized perfumes. All this is based on customer preferences. IoS reduces returns. It increases consumer confidence.
3. Total Immersion in Entertainment
The video game and movie industry will change radically. VR headsets are just the beginning. Future entertainment systems will be multi-sensory. A player can “feel” raindrops. They can perceive the vibration of an explosion. Theme parks will become places of complete sensory experiences. They will use wind, smells, and humidity. The experience will be completely immersive.
4. The Future of Education
IoS will transform the way people learn. Students can take “virtual field trips” to inaccessible places. They can touch artifacts from museums. A future engineer can “feel” the pressure on a virtual structure. This allows them to test designs before construction. Learning will no longer be just theoretical. It will become a sensory and interactive experience.
Challenges and Ethical Questions
The advent of IoS raises important questions. Privacy is a crucial issue. The collection of biometric data is extremely personal. The security of systems will be a priority. An attack on a sensor could have serious consequences. In addition, new ethical challenges are created. The boundary between man and machine blurs. A responsible use of this technology must be ensured.
The future is sensory. The Internet of Senses represents the next step. It will connect our perceptions to the digital world. The companies that can seize this opportunity will have a decisive advantage.