04 Mar 2015
The end of smelly gyms? Google targets body odour with new patent
BY Jak Phillips
Stinky armpits in gyms could soon be a thing of the past if Google is able to bring its latest patent to fruition.
The tech giant has filed designs for an ‘odour removing device’ that can be fitted under clothes and mask unwanted smells.
An activity sensor in the device would be able to predict the extent of an odour, while a ‘fragrance emission’ component would then emit a calculated burst of fragrance, with a fan to spread it around.
The product is a long way from making its way under our armpits, but the trend for collaboration between technology and clothing companies means there is clear potential for incorporation into activewear. Googe’s latest foray into wearable tech with fitness applications comes on the back of Google Glass and several smartwatch collaborations.
Among the more abstract proposals for the odour removing device is a route tracking component, which could be combined with data from social networks. The idea being that when you’re smelly after a long run, the device would be able to recommend a route home that would enable you to avoid potentially embarrassing encounters with social acquaintances.
To view the patent, click here.
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