A Chinese company has unveiled a kissing device for couples in long-distance relationships. The device is made of silicon and has a lips-like structure,’ which is advertised to let couples in long-distance relationships enjoy physical intimacy.
The device is equipped with pressure sensors and actuators and is said to mimic a real kiss by replicating the pressure, movement, and temperature of a user’s lips. It transmits the sound the user makes along with a kissing motion.
Users must download a mobile phone app and plug the device into their charging port to send a kiss. After pairing with their partners in the app, couples can start a video call and transmit replicas of their smooches to each other.
The device has caused a stir in china’s tweeter like application. Multiple hashtags about the device have racked up hundreds of millions of views over the past week. While most users have looked at it with a sense of humor, others criticized it as “vulgar” and “creepy”. A few also voiced concerns about its availability to minors who might buy and use them.
The Changzhou Vocational Institute of Mechatronic Technology has patented the invention. As quoted by China’s state-run Global Times, the leading inventor of the design Jiang Zhongli said his long-distance relationship during university was his motivation.
“In my university, I was in a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend, so we only had contact with each other through the phone. That’s where the inspiration for this device originated.”
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Besides kissing for long-distance couples, the device allows users to pair up anonymously with strangers in the “kissing square” function. If two strangers match successfully and like each other, they can ask to exchange kisses.
The device is priced at 288 yuan (US$41) and is available on China’s largest online shopping site Taobao. It has attracted dozens of reviews from satisfied customers. One thrilled customer left the review below.
My partner didn’t believe that (remote) kissing could be achieved at first, so her jaw dropped when she used it … This is the best surprise I have given her during our long-distance relationship.”
“Thank you, technology.” they went on.
