A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Hi, I’m a Pari! Well, my scientific name is actually Paribus huggus, but just Pari is fine. My job is to keep you connected to the ones you love the most, no matter where they are. I’m always connected to other Pari, just like me! We stay in touch through our hearts.

Add a layer of love to any text, phone call, or video call.

Hi! I’m a Pari too, and I live with Charlie, my owner. He is 7 and loves me lots. Charlie’s mom has to travel a lot for work, so whenever she goes away I keep Charlie company and pass hugs along from Mommy.

If Mommy has lots of space in her suitcase, she brings my twin Pari. When she gives her Pari a hug, I “purr” and let Charlie know Mom is hugging him.

If Charlie is also hugging me at the same time, Mom and Charlie will feel each other’s heartbeats over all of those miles! (I’m an expert at reading heartbeat data from fitbits and apple watches, but if you don’t have one or don’t want to share the data, I’ll just use some magic -- and guessing.)

Pari can bridge the distance between loved ones anywhere by delivering the closest thing to a real hug.

I’m Little Pari! I may be small, but I’ve got just as big a heart. Because I’m only 5” tall, Mommy can take me anywhere she goes. I can even hang on to a keychain! I have a small tag with a special code that allows Mommy to hug me from her mobile device when she can’t take big Pari with her.

**Note: Little Pari doesn't have electronics inside. The special code allows your mobile device to operate the paired Pari for when you are on the road. It is important for kids to see your Pari, so when you are Skyping home from your hotel room, your kids can still see Pari!

Pari is the absolute perfect hugger! His big snout rests over your shoulder, and his squishy body can take the hardest of squeezes. Pari’s zipper is tucked beneath him, so you feel the plush, not the zip!

Pari communicate with the Parihug app on your android or apple smart device. The app allows you to select who you’d like to hug, shows where they are in the world, and let's you send one another messages. The Parihug app is free and always will be!

Connecting your Pari to the internet is simple! All you need is an email address to sign up. You connect your smartphone to Pari via bluetooth, and he receives wifi. Once Pari is connected, he’s ready to go!

Don’t worry, no sensitive data is transferred between Pari, so you can hug with confidence. Pari does not contain any microphones or recording devices, meaning no identifiable data is stored. By using AA batteries rather than lithium-polymer batteries, Pari is not susceptible to the hazards inherent in those types of devices.

Pari is travel ready and will fly through security with ease! Without lithium-polymer batteries, Pari meets federal regulations and is TSA-approved.

Pari is easy to care for! Accidental spill? Grass stains? Sand? No problem. Just unzip Pari, remove the electronic box, and let him tumble in the wash. Pari doesn’t like the drier! It’s best to air dry him. Pari won’t lose power for several months and when he does, your phone will notify you when it’s time to change the batteries.

Pari has been prototyped closely with Cosmic Bobbins, an organization that works to create jobs in underserved populations through arts-based entrepreneurship, sewing education and outreach. During our first round of manufacturing, Parihug is committed to providing work to refugees is several steps of the process, thereby helping to give them marketable skills and a foundation to begin working in the US. Parihug’s promise is to ensure social sustainability in manufacturing whenever possible and to help people, whether it's those who are making or those who are investing in Pari.