At CES in Las Vegas the majority of the attendees are not local, they’ve come from across the US or overseas, like us. We’ve all left loved ones at home, wouldn’t it be great if you could still hug your loved ones? Sure we have FaceTime or chats over the phone but physical contact is missed.

Parihug has an answer.

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Parihug creates internet connected soft toys that let you hug loved ones from anywhere in the world. When one plush is hugged, the other emits a gentle haptic response. The result is the release of oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” which can only be released by physical stimuli and brings loved ones closer together than just a phone or video call. Imagine a FaceTime call with your kids, they’re holding one Parihug, you’re holding the other and you can send a hug to them? Adorable and heart melting image isn’t it?

The soft toys connect to the internet via bluetooth to your phone or via Wi-Fi. Once they’re both online, hugs can be sent!

firstprototype

Created by a team of students at Case Western Reserve University the Parihug is a working concept at this stage however if any toy maker has a brain and a dollar then this will become a reality very soon. Especially after we painted the FaceTime and Parihug story.

More info Parihug

[ces]