We’re so close to our phones that someone’s decided to make them feel like they’re an extension of our body.
How are they doing it? With a skin-like phone case that responds to touch.Marc Teyssiner and his colleagues developed an artificial skin that can sense sliding, stretching, and rotation. Teyssier says the “Skin-On Interface” design came about after he wanted to be able to pinch his phone.
The skin associates different types of touches to different emotions, like tapping means seeking attention. The next step for the three devices they have created -- phone case, computer touch pad, and smart watch -- is to add hair and temperature control to make it more realistic.