First text message transmission using odor

Scientists from the University of York (Canada) and the University of Warwick (Great Britain) developed a hardware-software complex and for the first time in the world sent a text message to a distance of several meters at the molecular level, that is, using odor ( scientific work ).

Isopropyl alcohol vapor is used as a storage medium. In the university video, under the cut, the liquid is erroneously called vodka; in fact, it is impossible to use this kind of alcohol inside.

The transmitter worked electric spray (spray) running Arduino. The message text is entered on the Arduino Uno board in binary code (each letter of the alphabet is five bits). Then the spray atomizes the alcohol in the direction of the receiver. The presence of vapors in the air is one, the absence is zero.

Transmitter

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On the receiver side is another Arduino Uno microcontroller with three sensors for different substances.

Receiver


The controller decodes the message, recognizing an increase in alcohol vapor in the air as a unit, and a decrease as a zero.



All equipment shown can be assembled from components no more than $ 100. During the ekapirement (see video), the transmission of symbols "O Canada" at a distance of several meters through open space was carried out.



Molecular communication is widely used in nature. For example, ants using pheromones leave a mark on the road indicating the route. An exotic way of communication can be used where it is impossible or undesirable to use radio waves and radio antennas. For example, in tunnels, pipelines, under water, or in biomedical nanorobots inside the human body.

The authors of the scientific work are going to establish a company and launch a commercial product within the next 6-12 months.