Japanese researchers have developed a human-shaped mobile phone with a skin-like outer layer that enables users to feel closer to those on the other end.

Developed by Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute (ATR), the portable remote-controlled android has been designed to help people communicate more effectively. Specifically, the prototype, features an outer coating that feels like human skin. A speaker and a light-emitting diode installed in its chest turns blue when the phone is in use and red when it is in standby mode.

The project is a collaboration between Osaka University and the mobile telephone operator NTT DoCoMo (for 3G technology).