Scientists build robot to hold hands with lonely people

Scientists built a robot hand for men to clasp when they feel lonely.

The hand, dubbed “My Girlfriend in Walk” in their research, is meant to feel and even smell like a romantic partner from the forearm down. The idea, supposedly, is to provide some comfort and company-ship to the world’s lonely.

The robot hand clasps to a user’s forearm so they can let go without dropping it to the ground.

The device is designed to squeeze your hand back and even release liquid through pores in its flesh-like outer layer, an approximation of your partner-in-hand-holding getting sweaty palms.

On top of that, the research describes a small speaker to play the sounds of a partner’s footsteps and the ability to vent out the smell of women’s shampoo.

The bizarre robot is meant to provide companionship as well as to encourage more walk-taking for those who are working or taking classes from home. And if the current model doesn’t float your boat, SoraNews 24 reports that a more masculine version could come soon.

The two robot hands would be fairly similar, except the male model would come with different scents: cologne, barbeque charcoal, and, in perhaps a too-on-the-nose twist, motor oil.