Previously, we introduced you to the Barisieur, an digital alarm clock that actually doubles as a nifty coffeemaker. Although based on the same concept, the new Sensorwake takes a slightly different, albeit simpler, approach to waking you up in the morning. Developed by 19-year-old science prodigy Guillaume Rolland, this innovative device rouses you gently with the enticing smell of freshly-baked croissants and coffee.
Showcased at the recently held Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Sensorwake relies not on sound, but on the “timed release of an aroma of your choice” to stir you from sleep. The product, which has already raised over $200,000 in crowd-funding at Kickstarter, is currently being marketed as the world’s very first “olfactory alarm clock”, designed to wake you up slowly to your favorite scent.
The device works very much like a toaster, containing a built-in slot into which reusable aroma capsules can be placed. Each of these capsules lasts for a total of 30 sessions, and comes in a variety of scents, including the so-called “Continental Breakfast Pack” composed of one Espresso capsule and one Hot Croissant capsule. The “Vitalization Aromatherapy Pack” contains one Invigorating Peppermint capsule, along with an inviting Chocolate aroma tablet. The “Enjoy the Break” pack comes with a unique set of scents, such as Seaside (monoi, tiare flower) and Lush Jungle (basically, cut grass and leaves).
Rolland, an engineering student at France, claims that the contraption is as effective as any good sound-based alarm clock, waking up around 99-percent of people in under 2 minutes. Over the years however, scientists have found scents to be much less efficient than sounds at rousing sleepers. In a 1997 study by Alabama-based fire and rescue workers, for instance, only two out of 10 sleeping adults woke up when presented with smoke, water and citrus ordors.
For those who fail to wake up through olfactory stimulation, the clock is equipped with a traditional audio alarm that goes off automatically if the aroma hasn’t woken the user up within 3 minutes. With shipping starting early this year, Rolland is currently working to make the product as well as the scent capsules available in retail outlets across the country.
