Digital tongue circa 2019.
“Electronic tongues” are devices that can analyze materials just by coming in contact with them — and they have near-infinite applications, from testing water quality to ensuring an expensive wine isn’t a counterfeit.
The problem is most fall into one of two categories: portable and specialized for only certain materials, or stationary and versatile. But now, IBM researchers have unveiled a new electronic tongue capable of bridging gap, making it easier to identify a range of liquids on the fly.
The IBM team calls its electronic tongue Hypertaste, and it looks a bit like a drink coaster with a slit in its side.