Developed by the Australian scientific research organization CSIRO, the Cybertongue is a unique piece of tech that could change the landscape of biosecurity and human health. While not designed to look like an actual tongue -- the device looks more like a metallic tissue box -- the Cybertongue utilizes biological sensors to detect the presence of various chemicals in food. The device can already detect the presence of lactose in milk samples, as well as spoilt milk, in close to real time.
CSIRO has also partnered with PPB Technology to use the Cybertongue to detect the presence of allergens in food and in the air. According to CSIRO researcher Dr. Alisha Anderson, "the unique way we have built the technology means we can develop sensors that detect a wide range of substances including toxins, allergens, and enzymes."
Lactose-Detecting Technology
The Cybertongue Can Analyze the Chemical Make-Up of Food
Trend Themes
1. Food Safety Technology - The Cybertongue's use of biological sensors presents an opportunity to create more efficient and effective methods for detecting harmful substances in food.
2. Smart Agriculture - The use of advanced technologies like the Cybertongue could enhance precision farming and enable farmers to quickly identify and address issues with crops.
3. Health Monitoring Devices - The Cybertongue's ability to detect lactose and other chemicals in close to real time suggests potential for the development of other wearable tech devices for monitoring and managing health conditions.
Industry Implications
1. Food Technology - The Cybertongue has potential in the food industry for improving food safety and traceability, as well as reducing food waste through earlier detection and intervention.
2. Agtech - The use of advanced sensory technology like the Cybertongue could revolutionize agriculture by providing real-time data on soil composition and nutrient levels, enabling farmers to make more informed decisions in their crop management.
3. Medical Devices - The Cybertongue's application in detecting chemicals and allergens in food and the air could inspire the development of other devices for monitoring health conditions and detecting harmful substances in the environment.