Page 34 - The Indian EYE 110626

TECH EYE NOVEMBER 06, 2026 | The Indian Eye 34

Scentronic Technology Enables Microsoft

Remote Detection and Sharing of Develops AI Tool

Smells Over the Internet That Diagnoses
Complex

esearchers have developed Scentronic, an artifi- Medical Cases
cial intelligence-powered technology that can de-
Rtect familiar smells and recreate them remotely,
potentially bringing the sense of smell into digital com- icrosoft has developed an
munication, virtual reality and online shopping. artificial intelligence (AI)
Developed by researchers at Ohio State Universi- Mdiagnostic system that di-
ty and collaborators, the system uses an electronic nose agnosed complex medical cases more
to identify specific aromas and transmit the information than twice as accurately as general
over the internet to a compact scent generator. The re- physicians in a study published in the
ceiving device then releases a corresponding fragrance, journal Science, highlighting the po-
allowing people to experience a recreation of a smell tential of AI to support clinical deci-
from another location. The research was published in sion-making and improve diagnostic
the journal Science Advances. efficiency.
The system, called Microsoft
The technology currently recognises five every- AI Diagnostic Orchestrator (MAI-
DxO), unlike conventional AI tools
day aromas: coffee, beer, cake, oranges and transmitted digitally. that analyse all available patient in-
Researchers believe the system could eventually allow
red wine. Researchers said expanding the sys- people to share the aroma of food with family and friends, sam- formation at once, MAI-DxO fol-
lows a step-by-step approach similar
tem to additional smells would require further ple selected fragrances while shopping online and experience to a doctor’s diagnostic process. It
more realistic virtual and augmented reality environments.
training of its artificial intelligence model and However, the technology remains a research proto- determines which questions to ask,
identifies relevant medical history,
the availability of matching scented liquids in type rather than a commercially available product. Re- selects appropriate tests and revises
searchers said further work is needed to improve scent
the receiving device. recognition in real-world conditions, reproduce a wider its diagnosis as new information be-
range of aromas and address factors such as device size, comes available.
Scentronic works through a series of gas sensors that refillability, durability and the safety of repeated exposure The system coordinates multi-
detect chemical compounds associated with an odour. to scented mist. ple AI agents that simulate a panel
of clinical experts, allowing different
A machine-learning model classifies the detected smell The development represents an emerging effort to diagnostic possibilities to be consid-
and sends the information to a remote device, which uses extend digital communication beyond sight and sound, ered before reaching a conclusion.
stored fragrances and miniature atomisers to release the although widespread adoption will depend on improving The system also designed diagnostic
corresponding scent. The actual smell molecules are not accuracy, convenience and affordability.
investigations at a lower estimated
cost, suggesting that carefully select-
‘Sonic’ Technology makes DRS Debut ed tests could help reduce unneces-
sary spending.
Microsoft said the findings
During India-New Zealand Series demonstrate the importance of eval-
uating AI systems on their ability
to conduct a diagnostic assessment
ew Zealand-developed ‘Son- technology company Virtual Eye. Zealand company, noting that years rather than simply answer medical
ic’ edge-detection technology The assessment process was conduct- of research and refinement had fo- questions. The company plans to
Nwill make its debut in crick- ed in consultation with the Interna- cused on accuracy, consistency and work with Beth Israel Deaconess
et’s Decision Review System (DRS) tional Cricket Council (ICC), with meeting international standards. Medical Center in Boston to assess
during India’s multi-format tour of support from the Board of Control Sky’s Head of Sport Content said whether the technology can assist
New Zealand, following extensive test- for Cricket in India (BCCI). the introduction reflected efforts to with patient triage in emergency de-
ing and independent assessment, New With Sonic joining the system, improve cricket coverage and the partment waiting rooms.
Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced. Virtual Eye will provide the full suite experience of viewers. The technolo- However, the findings do not es-
The technology uses advanced of DRS technology for the upcom- gy’s approval currently applies to the tablish that AI can replace doctors.
audio analysis to help third umpires ing three-format series. The com- India tour of New Zealand. Its use The study used simulated, text-based
assess potential contact between pany has held ICC accreditation for in future international matches will cases and compared the system with
the bat and ball during reviews. Its ball-tracking technology since 2008. depend on the ICC’s continuing ac- individual general physicians rather
introduction marks a significant de- NZC highlighted the importance creditation and approval processes. than specialist teams. It also did not
velopment in cricket officiating, with of maintaining the integrity of um- India’s tour comprises five Twen- evaluate treatment decisions or pa-
the system expected to support deci- piring decisions while acknowledging ty20 Internationals, followed by five tient outcomes.
sion-making and enhance the view- the collaboration between the ICC, One-Day Internationals and two Test Further testing in real clinical
ing experience for fans. BCCI, Sky and Virtual Eye. matches. The series will provide the settings will be necessary to estab-
The approval was confirmed Virtual Eye described the devel- first international setting for Sonic’s lish the system’s safety, reliability
jointly by NZC, broadcaster Sky and opment as a milestone for the New use in the DRS. and practical value in healthcare.

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