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A new invention that was created for making long-distance romance a little easier was not something that some social media users had in mind.
Students of Changzhou Vocational Institute of Mechatronic Technology, a university in eastern China, developed a virtual kissing device, according to The Global Times.
The odd-looking silicone contraption looks like a pair of flesh-toned pursed lips.
The combination of pressure sensors and actuators built into the device allows it to mimic the pressure, movement, and heat of a person's lips when users are connected through a mobile app.
The product was created to promote monogamy in long-distance relationships.
Jiang Zhongli, the lead inventor, said he came up with the Remote Kiss based on his own experience.
He said:
"In my university, I was in a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend so we only had contact with each other through the phone."
"That’s where the inspiration of this device originated."
The device, marketed as a "long-distance lovers miracle kissing device," is available for sale through the Chinese online retailer Taobao and retails for 260 Chinese yuan or about $38 for one and about $79 for a set.
In addition to couples exchanging kisses through the app, users can also share their smooches online and add sound effects made by them.
Here is a video demonstration of the contraption.
\u201cRemote kissing device for long-distance lovers, invented and patented by Chinese university student in Changzhou City.\n\ufffcThe mouth-shaped module, served as an inducing area for lovers to make the kiss and then it can transfer kiss gesture to the "mouth" on the other side.\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
The reviews were in and very mixed.
\u201c@tongbingxue This is super weird.\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@tongbingxue It convinced me again that having a long distance relationship is pretty bad idea..\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@omwambaKE This will deny me my conjugal rights \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02heri ikae tuh \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\udc94\u201d— Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea (@Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea) 1677511592
\u201c@omwambaKE Useless invention of my lifetime\u201d— Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea (@Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea) 1677511592
\u201c@omwambaKE Seriously nah\u201d— Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea (@Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea) 1677511592
It wasn't lost on Big Bang Theory fans that this concept was introduced before.
\u201cChina unveiling a \u201cremote kissing device\u201d for long distance relationships is giving me weird d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu to that one Big Bang Episode where they invented a more primitive version. \n\nLike holy hell. It was considered a creepy joke in that episode. How did this pass market research?\u201d— Samantha Stark (@Samantha Stark) 1677465898
\u201c@tongbingxue Howard Wolowitz gave idea long back. \ud83d\ude05\nhttps://t.co/3mcMgl0u4Z\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@tongbingxue The founder of this device must be the Big Bang Theory fans \ud83e\udd23\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
These Twitizens gave it a thumbs up.
\u201c@tongbingxue this is a great innovation\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@omwambaKE They need it. China is a really busy country.\u201d— Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea (@Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea) 1677511592
\u201c@tongbingxue Might get awkward.\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@omwambaKE necessity the mother of invention at its best\u201d— Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea (@Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea) 1677511592
Others predicted the future of this love technology.
\u201c@tongbingxue Expect a lot of pivoting for this kind of product. It will open many opportunities to feel things as they happen live. From livestreaming to livefeeling\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@tongbingxue Probably going to be connected over the internet to allow remote coupling for Onlyfans type relationships. Similar machine likely in development for other types of couplings.\ud83d\ude05\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@tongbingxue What\u2019s next to do remotely\u2026 ?\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@omwambaKE Change is innevitable, now you can order a full wife package online.\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\u201d— Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea (@Omwamba \ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddea) 1677511592
\u201c@tongbingxue Lol she's going to be doing that with a ton of dudes for passive income\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@tongbingxue Prediction: someone soon will find another use for it.\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
Some users said there was room for improvement.
\u201c@tongbingxue Not good enough..need a tongue in there for realistic action..also need a nozzle for releasing artificial saliva..custom bespoke flavour variety pack that sort of thing\u2026\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@tongbingxue\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
\u201c@tongbingxue can it bite a bit when kissing? asking for a friend\u201d— China in Pictures (@China in Pictures) 1677054621
CNN reported a similar gadget was developed called the “Kissinger,” which was launched in Malaysia by the Imagineering Institute in 2016.
The difference with the Kissinger was the contraption came in the form of a touch-sensitive silicon pad rather than 3D lips.