I-PEX Inc. (Headquarters: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Representative Director and President: Reiji Konishi, hereinafter referred to as I-PEX) released the latest model in its smell sensor series, noseStick BB, on February 1, 2026.
The noseStick BB introduces wireless, battery-powered operation via Bluetooth® Low Energy, greatly improving installation flexibility. With the addition of a microphone and gyroscope, as well as software compatibility with iOS, the noseStick BB can now be used in a wider range of applications and environments than ever before.
Smell sensor "noseStick BB" (left) and an image of wireless measurement
Background to the Launch of the noseStick BB
Through the development and provision of its smell sensor series (nose@MEMS and noseStick), I-PEX aims to implement odor-sensing technology in society by visualizing and quantifying smells.
Conventional smell sensor products have been limited to wired measurements, often creating installation challenges. The newly released noseStick BB is wireless with Bluetooth® Low Energy and battery-powered, greatly improving installation flexibility. The software is also compatible with iOS, in addition to the existing Windows and Android versions.
Along with the launch of the noseStick BB, I-PEX will also be releasing two new New Sensor Modules (NSMs) that combine elements that react easily to both water-insoluble and water-soluble gases.
These efforts will expand the possibilities of odor-sensing technology in a wide range of applications and environments, including detecting abnormal odors in factories, understanding conditions in the nursing and healthcare fields, and evaluating the in-vehicle environments in mobility applications. I-PEX will continue to promote the social implementation of odor-sensing.
Features of noseStick BB
- Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth ® Low Energy:
Conventional noseSticks were designed for wired connections, which could create wiring and installation burdens depending on the installation location. The noseStick BB uses Bluetooth® Low Energy to support wireless communication, making installation easier in environments where wiring is difficult. - Battery-powered:
This enables sensing even in environments where it is difficult to secure a power source, increasing the flexibility of installation location. It also makes it easier to handle short-term on-site testing and evaluations that involve layout changes. - Compatible with iOS:
Software compatibility now includes iOS, in addition to Windows and Android, expanding the range of devices that can be used. - Equipped with a microphone, gyroscope and thermo-hygrometer:
Through the device API, users can obtain surrounding information in addition to odor-sensing, which can be used for verification and application consideration based on environmental conditions.
- *The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
noseStick BB Product Specifications
| Product name: | noseStick BB |
|---|---|
| Weight: | Approximately 56g |
| Supported OS: | Android 14 or later, Windows 11 or later, iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later |
| Power supply: | Wireless use: Lithium-ion battery 900 mAh, Wired use: 5 V 90 mA |
| Onboard sensors: | Microphone, gyroscope, temperature and humidity sensor *Information from the microphone, gyroscope, and temperature and humidity sensor is available through the API. |
| Sales price: | 39,600 yen (tax included) *Includes main unit, cover, and one type of New Sensor Module (NSM) |
New Sensor Module (NSM) Lineup
Connect the noseStick BB or noseStick to a smartphone or PC and use a dedicated application to identify smells. Each New Sensor Module (NSM) is equipped with 10 detection elements. The New Sensor Module (NSM) can be replaced depending on the application, and plans are underway to expand the range of applications in the future.
| NSM0026： | A module combining elements suitable for determining current mood trends from palm smell Compatible application: "How are you feeling?*1" |
|---|---|
| NSM5029： | A module combining elements suitable for visualizing foot smell Compatible application: "PunPun*2" |
| NSM0039 (New Product): | A module that combines elements that react easily to water-insoluble gases (smells) |
| NSM0040 (new product): | A module that combines elements that react easily to water-soluble gases (smells) |
- *1By holding your palm over the noseStick, the application detects and identifies odor molecules emitted from your palm and displays a judgment of your current mood.
iOS version: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/punpunapp/id6756638798
Android version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ipex.nosestick.gokigenikaga - *2By holding a specific part of the body over the noseStick, the application identifies odor molecules perceived as unpleasant and displays the intensity of odors such as body odor.
iOS version: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/gokigenikagaapp/id6720721911
Android version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ipex.nosestick.punpun
About the Smell Sensor
I-PEX's smell sensor is a sensor that recognizes and identifies the "pattern of odor molecules" detected by multiple sensing elements.
The sensor chip is equipped with a sensing element made of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric thin film coated with a different sensitive film. Odor molecules attach to the resonating sensitive film when voltage is applied, causing changes in resonance frequency. Numerical data from these changes is analyzed, and odors are identified by pattern matching. The use of MEMS with PZT piezoelectric thin film enables miniaturization and cost reduction, and by increasing the number of sensing elements, it is possible to expand the range of identifiable odors.
About I-PEX Sensor Products
I-PEX has developed its own sensing technology and offers a range of sensors that contribute to collaboration and safety, such as the ESTORQ® series of torque sensors that detect contact between humans and robots, and Smart Cloth that detects proximity without contact, as well as smell sensor such as nose@MEMS and noseStick® that utilize MEMS technology to detect smells. I-PEX creates unprecedented solutions that contribute to safety and comfort in a wide range of applications, from industrial to lifestyle and mobility.
About I-PEX Inc.
I-PEX stands for “Innovative Product development & Engineering solutions eXpert” providing value in the form of inspiration and astonishment in the global marketplace. The company was founded in 1963 as Dai-ichi Seiko, a precision mold manufacturer, and has since produced numerous world-firsts and unique products and solutions. I-PEX currently operates in five business fields: Connectors, Contract Manufacturing (Automotive Components & Electronics Components), Molds & Equipment, MEMS Foundry, and Energy Solutions. By delivering the sharpest tip to the world, we will contribute to exciting value-creation in the digitalized society by working globally with every customer who opens up the new era.
| Trade name: | I-PEX Inc. |
|---|---|
| Representative: | Representative Director and President Reiji Konishi |
| Location: | 7th Floor, 5th Hase Building, 637 Suiginyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8411 |
| Established: | July 10, 1963 |
| Capital: | 9,968 million yen (as of December 31, 2025) |
| Business details: | ・ Connectors Business ・ Contract Manufacturing Business (Automotive Components & Electronics Components) ・ Mold & Equipment Business ・ MEMS Foundry Business ・ Energy Solutions Business |
| URL： | https://corp.i-pex.com/en |
