A team of researchers has built a prototype phone case that mimics human skin.
A video released by team members shows them using it to control a handset by pinching, squeezing and prodding it to zoom in or out, and carry out other functions.
It could also be used in the future to interact with a virtual avatar.
Project leader Marc Teyssier said he understood why some people found it creepy.
“I do think it’s creepy – I get it ... Read even more
