The nose of a dog is incredibly sensitive, and odour contains information. Now, with the help of artificial intelligence, electronic 'noses' are being trained to sniff out complex smells, including human diseases. Chris Vallance, presenter of the BBC's Tech Life podcast, visited a company developing this technology in a recent episode broadcast on 21 July 2026.
The episode also explored other cutting-edge innovations. Shiona McCallum travelled to Paris to see technology designed to help people understand their sleep. Meanwhile, Liv McMahon joined Chris on a walk in a park to test one of many bird identification apps that have become a hit, particularly with younger users.
“BBC Tech Life explores AI-driven electronic noses that sniff out diseases, alongside sleep tech and bird identification apps.”
The 26-minute episode, produced by Tom Quinn, highlights how AI is transforming the way machines interpret the world of scent, moving beyond the capabilities of even the most sensitive canine noses.
While the specific company visited by Vallance was not named in the programme, the development of electronic olfaction has been a growing field, with potential applications in medical diagnostics, food safety, and security. The ability to detect diseases through breath or skin odour could revolutionise early diagnosis.
As the technology advances, the question remains how soon these devices might become as common as thermometers in doctors' surgeries. For now, the episode serves as a fascinating glimpse into a future where machines can smell as well—if not better—than man's best friend.