In my art, and in my life, I am concerned with the relations between humans and machines, and how technology can change our relations with others, and with ourselves – one aspect of this is how today we can be close with someone, even intimate, when they are far away.
The Japanese have a rich tradition of innovation in this area, so it is not surprising they should invent a device that can simulate a kiss over the internet. Read more here.
A precursor for this in the art world is Mobile Feelings (2002-03) and Mobile Feelings II (2004) by Christa Sommerer & Laurent Mignonneau. Perhaps it is no coincidence that they developed these works while at IAMAS lnstitute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences in Gifu, Japan.
About the Japanese device:
”The device looks like an ordinary box attached to a computer with a rotating straw. A closer look reveals otherwise. Students at Japan’s Kajimoto Laboratory at the University of Electro-Communications have created a small device that uses motor rotations with the aim to simulate the feeling of a kiss over the Internet.”
”Upon closer inspection, we learn that the kissing device responds directly to a person’s tongue. On one end, a person rotates the ”straw” in one direction and the ”straw” on the other end will rotate in the same direction. The result is a powerful tactile response that feels like you’re giving or receiving a kiss. From the demonstration video, the device looks a lot more effective than that concept cellphone that uses a wet sponge to transmit moisture onto a person’s lips.”
Extremely helpful atrilce, please write more.