We Need TouchLM SmellLM

October 04, 2019

We Need TouchLM and SmellLM: Expanding AI Beyond Sight and Sound

Artificial Intelligence has come a long way. We’ve got Large Language Models (LLMs) that can chat with you about quantum physics, Speech Language Models (SLMs) that understand your every word, and Generative AI that can whip up music, images, texts, and even code faster than you can say “syntax error.” But wait—where’s the TouchLM and SmellLM? It’s time to talk about the senses that have been left out of the AI party.

The Missing Senses: Why Touch and Smell Matter

Imagine trying to fold laundry in the dark. Our sense of touch isn’t just about avoiding stepping on Lego bricks (though that’s a pretty solid reason). It’s a rich language all its own—textures, temperatures, pressures—all conveying information our brains interpret seamlessly. And let’s not even get started on smell. Ever walked into a room and instantly remembered Grandma’s apple pie? That’s the magic of olfactory memory.

But current AI models? They’re all about seeing and hearing. Sure, we can teach them to recognize images and understand spoken words, but what about the tactile and aromatic worlds? Where’s the AI that can feel a cozy blanket or sniff out a delicious meal?

TouchLM: Teaching AI to Feel the World

So, why don’t we have a TouchLM yet? Maybe it’s because teaching an AI to understand textures is as tricky as explaining why socks disappear in the laundry. How do you quantify the softness of a cat’s fur or the roughness of sandpaper? It’s not just about data; it’s about subjective experiences.

Data Dilemmas: Gathering tactile data is a hands-on job. Unlike text or images, you can’t just scrape the web for touch information. It requires specialized sensors and a whole lot of experimentation.
Subjectivity Strikes Again: What feels cozy to one person might feel squishy to another. How does an AI navigate these personal preferences? Maybe it needs a “feeling meter” akin to a mood tracker.
Practical Applications: Imagine a robot chef that can adjust the dough’s texture based on how you like your pizza crust. Or a virtual fitting room that lets you “feel” the fabric before buying clothes online. The possibilities are as endless as the wrinkles in your favorite sweater.

Why We Need TouchLM and SmellLM Now

As AI continues to evolve, integrating these missing senses could unlock a new realm of possibilities.

Questions to Keep Your Mind Rippling

Sensory Integration: How can we effectively integrate tactile and olfactory data with existing visual and auditory models in AI?
Ethical Implications: What are the privacy concerns when AI can interpret personal touch and smell data?
Cultural Differences: How do cultural variations in touch and smell perception affect the development of TouchLM and SmellLM?

Found this post sniff-tacular? Share it with your friends and let’s keep the conversation (and smells) flowing! 🤖👃✨