TSU:  Researchers in Japan have designed a robot with taste. The electromechanical “sommelier” developed at NEC System Technologies and Mie university is able to identify dozens of different wines, cheeses and hors d’oeuvres.

“There are all kinds of robots out there doing many different things,” said Hideo Shimazu, director of the NEC System Technology Research Laboratory and a joint leader of the robot project. “But we decided to focus on wine because that seemed like a real challenge.”

At the end of the robot’s left arm is an infrared spectrometer. When objects are placed up against the sensor, the robot fires off a beam of infrared light. The reflected light is then analysed to determine the object’s chemical composition. When it has identified a wine, the robot names the brand and adds a comment or two on the taste, such as whether it is a buttery chardonnay or a full-bodied shiraz, and what kind of foods might go well with it.

Dr Shimazu said the robots could be “personalised,” or programmed to recognise the kinds of wines its owner prefers and recommend new varieties. Because it is analysing the chemical composition of the wine or food placed before it, it can also warn against fatty or salty products.

Philippe Bramaz of the Italian winemaker Calzaluga said: “I see the potential to analyse expensive and old wine to say whether it is authentic or not. Auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s could use this technology to test wine without opening it.”

—Dawn/The Guardian News Service