THE relationship between humans and robots just got a little bit creepier.

An artificial intelligence researcher in Singapore has developed a robot with a virtual mouth that can emulate and transmit a kiss - bringing an extra touch of intimacy to a long-distance relationship or even a video game.

The “Kissinger” is the size and shape of a softball and has a pair of touch-sensitive lips that detect and copy how each partner delivers their kiss.

Hooman Samani said as well as bridging the physical gap between real people it could also create a link with the virtual worlds to add a new dimension to gaming.

“Humans can kiss virtual characters while playing games and receive physical kisses from their favourite virtual characters,” Mr Samani wrote on his website.

The researcher also believes the Kissinger could bring about a more intimate relationship between humans and robots.

“Kissing is a very important mode of human communication that involves joining lips in order to express many deep felt positive emotions such as affection, respect, greeting, farewell, good luck, romantic affection or sexual desire,” he wrote.

“Technology provides a new facility for closer and more realistic interactions between humans.”

The AI expert has also made a pair of cabbage patch doll “surrogates” that emulate the human voice and movement over the internet using motion tracking sensors, speakers and microphones.

Imagine waking up to find a talking cabbage patch doll waving at you.

You can’t? Too scary? Here’s a video prepared earlier.

Originally published as Love bytes: Kissing robots heal lonely hearts