Ananova:

Italian designers have developed a hugging T-shirt for people in long distance relationships.

The T-shirt simulates the missing partner's breath, touch and heartbeat.

The 'F+R Hugs' T-shirt has fitted sensors that the designer claims realistically simulate a partner's caress.

It is based on information on body temperature, heart beat and touch transmitted by mobile phone.

The sensors are installed in the upper arms, back, hips, and shoulders of the T-shirt and recreate the physical pressure of a hug by inflating and deflating at a touch of a button.

The T-shirt was developed by Francesca Rosella, a graduate from the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea, near Turin, for her company CuteCircuit.