The Homunculus in the Metaverse: Is Virtual Reality Prepared for Our SevenSenses?

Abstract Sensing in the physical world differs from sensing in virtual worlds. As visualized in Penfield’s homunculus, touch and taste play a big role in physical surroundings. In contrast, the “Homunculus Metaversensis” for virtual reality would look different, reflecting the dominance of visual and auditory perception in virtual experiences facilitated by technologies like head-mounted displays. To create truly immersive experiences, touch, balance, movement, smell and taste are all relevant. While some progress has been made in haptic feedback and olfactory stimulation, advancement in these fields is still limited. Therefore, augmented reality, which combines physical and digital experiences, may be a more viable option for satisfying multiple senses in the present. However, future breakthroughs in virtual reality technology could enhance sensory experiences in the metaverse.