Researchers have created a low-cost method for soft, deformable robots to detect a range of physical interactions, from pats to punches to hugs, without relying on touch at all. Instead, a USB camera located inside the robot captures the shadow movements of hand gestures on the robot’s skin and classifies them with machine-learning software. (1)

Feel my touch. Without me touching you.

Now that I think of it. Is there any other way?

Can you feel the cosmos without letting it be? Can you feel the love of your children without letting them go? Could you ever feel the respect for yourself without talking to a stranger?

Touch that flower.

No, you do not sense anything like that.

Your hands are dripping blood.

The flower is cut.

Why do you ever cry?

(Why can’t the cosmos touch me?)