Integrating Cutting-Edge Technologies in Food Sensory and Consumer Science: Applications and Future Directions
Dongju Lee1, Hyemin Jeon1, Yoonseo Kim1
1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Republic of Korea.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Emerging digital technologies like AI, ML, and XR are transforming sensory science. These innovations enable more objective, real-world consumer assessments and personalized evaluation systems.
Area of Science:
- Sensory and Consumer Science
- Digital Technologies in Research
Background:
- Traditional sensory evaluations are evolving from lab-based methods to real-world assessments.
- Digital technologies offer new avenues for objective sensory data collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent trends and applications of key technologies in sensory evaluation.
- To explore strategies for creating personalized, multimodal, and adaptive sensory systems.
- To discuss ethical considerations and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), extended reality (XR), biometrics, and digital sensors.
- Analysis of AI/ML model performance metrics (RMSE, R²).
- Review of presence measurement in XR environments.
Main Results:
- AI/ML models show high prediction accuracy (79-100%) for sensory or preference prediction.
- Extended Reality (XR) environments demonstrate adequate presence scores (>3 on IPQ scale).
- Integration strategies for personalized and adaptive sensory evaluation systems are explored.
Conclusions:
- Emerging digital technologies are crucial for advancing sensory and consumer science.
- Personalized, multimodal, and intelligent-adaptive systems are feasible through technology integration.
- Ethical considerations are vital throughout the data lifecycle in sensory research.
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