Advances in artificial intelligence for olfaction and gustation: a comprehensive review

This review explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing our understanding of olfaction and gustation, two senses that significantly influence human behavior and decision-making. AI methodologies, including machine learning and neural networks, are revolutionizing sensory experiences in industries such as food, fragrance, and healthcare. In the food industry, AI is enhancing flavor profiling, ensuring product safety, and aligning offerings with consumer preferences, all while preserving nutritional value. In fragrance, AI is enabling personalized scent creation, allowing for bespoke products tailored to diverse consumer needs. In healthcare, AI is advancing the diagnosis and treatment of sensory disorders, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with sensory impairments. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, such as the need for diverse and representative datasets, the subjective nature of sensory perception, and ethical concerns surrounding privacy. Addressing these issues requires interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroscience, computer science, and food technology. Future research should focus on developing adaptive AI systems that can dynamically interpret and predict sensory preferences, reshaping interactions with food, fragrances, and health products. This review underscores AI’s critical role in driving sensory innovation and lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at enhancing consumer experiences and improving quality of life.