Now You Can Get a Phone Case That Feels Like Human Flesh

What if electronic devices felt more humane?

A team of researchers in Paris led by Marc Teyssier are exploring the possibilities of lacing tech with human touch.

They’ve engineered an artificial skin that responds to the feelings of touch and provides an adaptive response based on the nature of touch. The artificial skin can be laid over a device and can be translated into signal that the human and device can understand.

It feels just like a human, with pores and noticeable ridges

You can pinch and twist to toggle your volume or brightness

You can tickle it to insert a laughing emoji. Or tap to insert a confused emoji

“When we interact with others, we use skin as interfaces. However the objects of mediated communication – such as the smartphone – still has a cold interface that doesn’t allow natural interaction and input,” Teyssier said on the project’s website.

The silicone material can also be used as a laptop touchpad, smartwatch band, so that your electric devices can be more approachable.

Let’s hope they bring out different shades unless these quirky project doesn’t get embroiled in racism related issues.