April 13, 2010 12:00 AM | by 
Ever felt like hugging a fellow Ninginer but couldn’t because of the physical contact restriction of the Internet? Well that might change in the near future. Japanese scientists were able to create a robotic device that simulates many human sensations such as heart beats, hugging, stomach butterflies and spine tingles to the wearer.
Dubbed the iFeel-IM (stands for I Feel Therefore I Am), this device was created to make internet users react to each other with more emotion.
“We are steeped in computer-mediated communication - SMS, e-mail, Twitter, Instant Messaging, 3-D virtual worlds - but many people don’t connect emotionally,” said the creator, Dzmitry Tsetserukou. “I am looking to create a deep immersive experience, not just a vibration in your shirt triggered by an SMS. Emotion is what gives communication life.”
The device is able to identify nine emotions including joy, fear, interest and guilt with 90% accuracy corresponding with physical reactions (i.e. squeezes and increased body warmth). The iFeel-IM is capable of registering sexual desire but the scientists decided against adding that emotion for fear of it taking away the emotional appeal of the device (which is understandable).
The robotic device was tested in the three dimensional world Second Life where the testers were able to virtually hug each other and actually feel the contact.
I think it’s a cute idea. To be able to hug or high-five your internet friends would be awesome. Unfortunately, I could already see a good amount of people using the device for other things besides emotionally connecting with someone online.