China’s Changzhou Vocational Institute of Mechatronic Technology has invented a unique ‘kissing device’ for long-distance couples
The device with silicone lips has pressure sensors and actuators. Besides mimicking the kissing motion, the device can also transmit the sound the user makes
Footage: Twitter
To be able to use the device, users need to download a mobile phone app and plug the device into their phone’s charging port. Couples can then start a video call and transmit replicas of their kisses to each other after pairing with their partners
The app also allows users to pair with strangers on its ‘kissing square’ feature. Two strangers can ask to exchange smooches if they match successfully and like each other. Here, users can also upload their kisses for others to download and experience
The ‘kissing device’ is available on the Chinese shopping site Taobao at price of 288 yuan or $41
The ‘kissing device’ has been invented by Jiang Zhongli. A graduate of China’s Changzhou Vocational Institute of Mechatronic Technology, he applied for a patent in 2019 but it ended in January 2023
Zhongli told the Chinese government-run Global Times that when he was in a long-distance relationship in university and the only contact he had with his girlfriend was through phone. He added this is the inspiration behind the origin of the kissing device
Malaysia’s Imagineering Institute launched Kissinger in 2016. Kissinger came in the form of touch-sensitive silicone pads