(YouTube Link)

Engineers at Osaka University in Japan have created this robotic hand for use with video chatting, to help people talking to each other online feel more connected.

It's warm like a human hand, registers grip force, and will be programmed "to harass their colleagues with a constant stream of formal greetings".

I'm not sure what that means, but it doesn't really matter either way, because this device looks like the beginning of a strange new world of online arm wrestling matches and *ahem* safe virtual encounters.

Just don't ask this thing to wash your windows, or you will see a strike sign appear in it's hand faster than you can say Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto!

--via Engadget