Chinese scientist works on 'touching development' for video calls

Hou's parents talk to their grandson via a video call. - China Daily

BEIJING (China Daily/ANN): When physical contact and meetings are impossible, either through distance or health measures, then seeing family, friends and colleagues via digital devices like mobile phones and video calls is the next best thing.

It is, however, far from perfect, not least because the sense of touch is missing. A Chinese scientist is now working to ensure that hugging loved ones that are far away may one day be possible, adding a tactile dimension to the video calls we have all become used to making.