Anyone who has ever been in a long-distance relationship knows its difficulties. Even with all the phone conversations, video-chats and e-mails, one still hears a common refrain: “I wish I could be there with you.”
The inability to physically touch one’s partner is regularly cited as an issue in these types of relationships, but a Hong Kong professor may have found an answer.
Professor Liu Yunhui of the Chinese University in Hong Kong has developed a robotic hand he says can be controlled remotely by a user halfway across the world.
The user controlling the “hand” wears a wristband-like electromyograph sensor, which causes the robotic appendage to react according to muscle contractions.
According to Professor Yunhui, the android-like hand is capable of shaking a human’s with variable strength – from a half-hearted graze to a firm, business interview clench – as well as perform other hand motions. The device needs only to be connected to one’s computer.
Professor Yunhui sees this technology used not only by geographically displaced lovers, but also by those taking care of the elderly, or even post-op physical therapy patients.
This columnist, however, gets nervous and clammy just thinking about it.
With tech figuratively reaching out to grab our attention with greater frequency, robotic hands attached to our computers are frighteningly literal.
One can’t help imagining the havoc hackers could wreak upon unsuspecting hand-holders if the technology becomes more widespread. And what about bugs? What if a hand grips you and refuses to let go? Terrifying.
One imagines, however, that the pornographic industry could stand to benefit greatly from this invention. The premium that could be charged to participate in the screen’s spectacle could become a lucrative opportunity. So cheers there.
Speaking about families keeping in touch with each other, Professor Yunhui says, “Although they can show their care through phone calls, physical touch is still a better way to express love.”
Absolutely correct, Professor. There is no better way to tell my grandmother I love her than through the touch of my cold, hard, metal fingers.
