THE SMARTPHONE VOICE ENABLED 'HUGVIE' ROBOTIC PILLOW ADDS PHYSICAL SENSATION TO LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS VIA PHONE

The Hugvie robotic pillow allows people who are fr apart to feel like they are together (Click Image To Enlarge)

As more families rely on technology to provide methods of communication when separated, a roboticist in Japan is attempting to replicate the human connection lost in a long distance relationship.

Developed by Japanese roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro, the “Hugvie” is a brightly-colored pillow in an extremely generic shape of a person. Within the large cushion, there is a pocket that’s designed to house a smartphone or regular cell phone during a call. According to Ishiguro, the Hugvie uses a micro-controller and two vibrating discs to “translate” the emotions of the caller’s voice into physical form. The two vibrators act in conjunction to replicate a human heartbeat. The speed as well as the intensity of the heartbeat is completely dependent on the volume and mood of the calle

The Hugvie robotic pillow works with your cellphone to produce a huggy-feelie sensation (Click Image To Enlarge)

The current iteration of the product is being targeted at seniors and children. For instance, a parent on an out-of-town business trip could speak to their child while the youngster was wrapped around the Hugvie. The elderly could use it when speaking to a distant family member or primary caregiver over the phone. Future iterations of the design may be specifically targeted to people in a long distance relationship.

When explaining a design that offers a higher level of interactivity, Ishiguro stated:

“We’d like to develop this into a robot with an internal frame. We could build in lots of vibrators and special sensors, so that when you hug it, the other person’s robot moves as well. So far, I don’t think there has been a really soft robot. If we make this one a bit more complex, we could create something that really feels like a person while you’re hugging it.”

 

The Hugvie costs approximately $60 and is currently on display at the Vstone Robot Center in Tokyo. Osaka University’s Professor Ishiguro is also responsible for the development of the Telenoid, a portable teleoperated android robot that simulates a physical presence for someone in another location. The built-in speakers within the Telenoid play the voice of the caller and the human-like face replicates the emotional state of the caller as the caller’s face is being watched through a webcam.

COMMENTARY:   The first time that I saw the Hugvie robotic pillow I thought it was a bit creepy, but upon reflection, I think it's a fantastic novel idea that I think is going to catch on.  It would be an ideal gift for couples and a neat way to pacify young children.  Both would get a big charge out of feeling Hugvie do its vibration magic.   

Courtesy of an article dated April 28, 2012 appearing in Digital Trends 

Comments

[Soul Wizard]

I really enjoyed the videos. Good luck and nice new posts...

[Jill Hansen]

Wow! so now we can send hugs via phone calls? That's awesome!!

[Brook Stanley]

a cool way to ease the pain of distant loved ones. I want one too.

[unique designs]

Awesom post. I really enjoyed the videos. Thanks for sharing this lovely tips..

[text my ex back]

This is really funny, hug one of these to make a call? I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

[Tommy]

Yes, it is hilarious, but the Japanese apparently love their Hugvie's. I have a feeling we might be seeing them in the U.S. very soon.

[Testosterone Replacement Therapy]

I couldn't agree more! I have a hard time thinking of someone who would actually hug one of those in order to make a phone call.

[New Centerpiece Ideas]

LOL

This is hilarious.