SHANGHAI (Reuters) - A Chinese startup inspired by lockdown isolation has invented a long-distance kissing machine that transmits users’ kiss data collected through motion sensors hidden in silicon lips, which simultaneously move when replaying kisses received.

The MUA - named after the sound people commonly make when blowing a kiss - also captures and replays sound and warms up slightly during kissing, making the experience more authentic, said Beijing-based Siweifushe.

Users can even download kissing data submitted via an accompanying app by other users.

The idea was borne out of China’s frequent, lengthy and widespread lockdown measures during the three-year COVID19

pandemic that, at their most severe, saw authorities forbid residents to leave their apartments for months on end.

“I was in a relationship back then, but I couldn’t meet my girlfriend due to lockdowns,” said inventor Zhao Jianbo.

Then a student at the Beijing Film Academy, he focused his graduate project on the lack of physical intimacy in video calls. He later set up Siweifushe which released MUA, its first product, on Jan. 22 priced around 260 yuan ($38).

Jing Zhiyuan uses a remote kissing device “Long Lost Touch”, as he demonstrates how to use it during an interview with Reuters, at his home in Beijing

In the two weeks after its release, the firm sold over 3,000 kissing machines and received about 20,000 orders, he said.