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Researchers in Singapore say they have invented a "virtual
lemonade", using electrodes to mimic the flavor of the beverage
and LED lights to imitate its color, that could one day allow
people to digitally share drinks over the internet.
"We are primarily motivated by the fact that our current digital
interactions are not supportive for sharing beverages and food,
which is something very common in our everyday lives," said
Nimesha Ranasinghe, who led the team that did the research.
The team conducting the research at the NUS-Keio CUTE Center, a
collaboration between the National University of Singapore and
Japan’s Keio University, decided to focus on the sour taste of
lemonade to prove their idea.
A sensor dipped into a glass of real lemonade collects data on
its acidity and color, which is transmitted via Bluetooth to
silver electrode strips on the rim of a tumbler.
The action of a drinker running their tongue over the strip in
taking a sip causes the electrodes to simulate the sour taste,
while a light-emitting diode (LED) flashes yellow.
The technology can also simulate bitter and salty sensations,
Ranasinghe said, adding that it could help people on restricted
diets who need to cut back on salt or calories.
"We can even help the people who want to cut down their calorie
intake," she added. "If he craves lemonade, and can have a
virtual lemonade, he can get the same experience, but zero
calories."
Still, the design needs some improvement, said student Genevieve
Low, a volunteer who participated in tests of the drink.
"I think it's definitely the way the tongue touches the cup,
because no one would, sub-consciously or consciously, put their
tongue onto the electrode and then drink the water," she said in
a recent test round.
Another volunteer student, Wang Pan, was surprised by the taste.
"I was imagining the electronic taste, but it's actually quite
real to me because it's really mild, like mild-sweet. It's less
sour than the real lemonade," she said.
(Writing by Yiming Woo; Editing by Darren Schuettler)
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