Robotic hugs

JAPAN: Do you miss the human touch when you're communicating with people on the internet? Thanks to a new wearable robot, expressing emotions online could soon become more personal.

When you use computers to communicate, you are physically removed from your contact. You can use emoticons to show what you're feeling, but you can't shake hands or give the other person a hug. It's difficult to show your true emotions. To solve this problem, Dr Dzmitry Tsetserukou and his colleagues at the Toyohashi University of Technology in Japan have developed the iFeel-IM, which stands for "I feel, therefore I am".

Dr Dzmitry Tsetserukou "Many people don't connect emotionally"

The iFeel-IM is a robotic suit you can wear while sending and receiving written messages. A special software searches the messages for emotional expressions and categorizes them: the software is able to recognize nine different emotions, including fear, joy, interest and anger. The suit then uses its integrated motors and vibrators to simulate the emotions. During a simulated hug, for example, the user will feel warmth. The device also tickles the wearer and can send "shivers" up and down the user's spine.

"We are steeped in computer-mediated communication — SMS, email, Twitter, Instant Messaging, 3-D virtual worlds — but many people don't connect emotionally," Tsetserukou told The Telegraph. "I am looking to create a deep immersive experience, not just a vibration in your shirt triggered by an SMS." It took the research team five years to develop the suit and software.

The device has already been tested during the first Augmented Human International Conference. Watch a demonstration of the suit on YouTube.