<p>The “Sense-roid” looks like a tailor’s mannequin with silicon skin and is packed with pressure sensors. It is connected to a jacket worn by the human user that replicates the embrace with the help of air compressors. The illusion of a mutual hug with the half-humanoid is enhanced by artificial muscles and vibrating devices in the “tactile jacket”, say the inventors from the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo.<br /><br />Getting accustomed<br /><br />“Many people initially feel surprised and uncomfortable about the unusual experience, but they gradually get accustomed to it until they feel comfortable and pleasant,” said research team member Nobuhiro Takahashi.<br /><br />“Usually people feel nothing, or they even feel bad, when they hug strangers, but they experience feelings of satisfaction, love and comfort when they hug a boyfriend or girlfriend,” Takahashi said.<br /><br />“We wondered how humans would feel if they could hug themselves.” He added that the device could be used in medical therapy and to give comfort to elderly people living <br />alone. <br /><br />However, there were no immediate plans to put the gadget into commercial production.<br />The Sense-Roid is on display at the 3D & Virtual Reality Expo that kicked off in Tokyo on Wednesday.<br /><br /></p>
<p>The “Sense-roid” looks like a tailor’s mannequin with silicon skin and is packed with pressure sensors. It is connected to a jacket worn by the human user that replicates the embrace with the help of air compressors. The illusion of a mutual hug with the half-humanoid is enhanced by artificial muscles and vibrating devices in the “tactile jacket”, say the inventors from the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo.<br /><br />Getting accustomed<br /><br />“Many people initially feel surprised and uncomfortable about the unusual experience, but they gradually get accustomed to it until they feel comfortable and pleasant,” said research team member Nobuhiro Takahashi.<br /><br />“Usually people feel nothing, or they even feel bad, when they hug strangers, but they experience feelings of satisfaction, love and comfort when they hug a boyfriend or girlfriend,” Takahashi said.<br /><br />“We wondered how humans would feel if they could hug themselves.” He added that the device could be used in medical therapy and to give comfort to elderly people living <br />alone. <br /><br />However, there were no immediate plans to put the gadget into commercial production.<br />The Sense-Roid is on display at the 3D & Virtual Reality Expo that kicked off in Tokyo on Wednesday.<br /><br /></p>
