

185: The computers are smelling [feat. Christophe Laudamiel of OSMO]
Apr 1, 2025
Christophe Laudamiel, a master perfumer known for his bold insights in the fragrance industry and work at OSMO, dives into the cutting-edge fusion of AI and perfumery. He discusses how OSMO uses technology to map and innovate scents, transforming the fragrance landscape. The complexities of scent creation are examined, including the emotional bonds people form with fragrances and the technical challenges faced by perfumers. The conversation humorously contrasts the creative artistry of human perfumers with the capabilities of AI in crafting unique aromas.
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Christophe's Artistic Approach
- Christophe Laudamiel is a master perfumer creating fragrances like poems or music compositions.
- He works on innovative pieces such as vegetal leather scents using only plant ingredients.
Digitizing Smell Complexity
- Osmo emerged from Google Brain's olfactory system research to digitize smell.
- Smell is complex, 100 times more so than sight or hearing, requiring new taxonomy and tech developments.
Future Smell Cameras and Printers
- Current smell analysis (GC mass spec) requires bulky, complex lab equipment.
- Osmo aims to build portable, automatic "smell cameras" and "printers" for real-time smell digitization and recreation.