Update #4 on the sex toy you can feel

As regular readers of this blog know, my partner Eve Rickert and I are hard at work on a whole new type of sex toy: a strapon dildo covered with sensors that use direct neural stimulation so that the person wearing the strapon can actually feel the device. The idea is that it exploits the brain’s plasticity to become a part of the wearer, so it feels like something you are rather than something you’re wearing.

We have a prototype and I’m currently working on a far more sophisticated second-generation prototype. We’re also doing market research to try to refine our design approach and get a sense of who would be most interested in this device and what their needs are.

We just presented about the device at Arse Elektronika, to great interest:

Here’s where you come in!

We’ve put together a survey to ask people about themselves and their interest in this device. The results of this survey are kept confidential and will be used to help us figure out how many people find this device appealing and who you guys are.

It takes about 10 minutes to do, and people who do the survey can optionally enter a giveaway for one of two $50 Amazon gift cards. (The giveaway is only good for users in the US and Canada, sorry.)

If you know anyone else who’s interested, please feel free to share this survey far and wide. Tell your friends! Post in mailing lists! Help us spread the word!

Want to keep up with developments? Here’s a handy list of blog posts about it:
First post
Update 1
Update 2
Update 3
Update 4

97 thoughts on “Update #4 on the sex toy you can feel

  1. Bionic cock? Seriously?

    I don’t get the “sex toy you can feel” part … as a transgender man, I’ve been wearing dildoes/harnesses for years and I can *feel* every stroke, every thrust…to the point of orgasm/ejaculation. So I’d like to hear what exactly it is about this *bionic cock” that elevates it above that which has for years already proved utterly satisfying.

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      I could do with a bionic cock cos I don’t have anywhere near as much fun with a strap on as you do.

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      I haven’t had the same experience, to say the least. What are you using? What recommendations can you make?

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      I haven’t had the same experience, to say the least. What are you using? What recommendations can you make?

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

    • Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

      We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

  2. Bionic cock? Seriously?

    I don’t get the “sex toy you can feel” part … as a transgender man, I’ve been wearing dildoes/harnesses for years and I can *feel* every stroke, every thrust…to the point of orgasm/ejaculation. So I’d like to hear what exactly it is about this *bionic cock” that elevates it above that which has for years already proved utterly satisfying.

  3. Very minor suggestion for your survey questions: instead of ” gender” for a list that includes cis and trans, use something like “gender experience”. It’s a little thing, but whenever I see it as you’ve currently got it I presume the asker doesn’t get transgender stuff, just I like I do when I see transgender used as a noun (“a transgender”). Since it’s your very first question it could easily set the wrong tone, even though the next page has more clueful questions.

  4. Very minor suggestion for your survey questions: instead of ” gender” for a list that includes cis and trans, use something like “gender experience”. It’s a little thing, but whenever I see it as you’ve currently got it I presume the asker doesn’t get transgender stuff, just I like I do when I see transgender used as a noun (“a transgender”). Since it’s your very first question it could easily set the wrong tone, even though the next page has more clueful questions.

  5. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    I could do with a bionic cock cos I don’t have anywhere near as much fun with a strap on as you do.

  6. Very good idea, but..

    As a trans-man I have always wanted a prosthetic that I could feel with. Dildos do not have nerve endings and cannot feel. My fingers do have nerve endings, and I prefer them.

    But many trans-men would have a problem with how you are transferring the sensation. The clitoris is analogous to the penis, not the vagina.

    • Re: Very good idea, but..

      Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

    • Re: Very good idea, but..

      Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

    • Re: Very good idea, but..

      Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

    • Re: Very good idea, but..

      Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

    • RE: Very good idea, but..

      Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

  7. Very good idea, but..

    As a trans-man I have always wanted a prosthetic that I could feel with. Dildos do not have nerve endings and cannot feel. My fingers do have nerve endings, and I prefer them.

    But many trans-men would have a problem with how you are transferring the sensation. The clitoris is analogous to the penis, not the vagina.

  8. As A sex toy consultant and strap on specialist, this news excites me! Wow well done! I’ll get this survey sent around to my database soon x

  9. As A sex toy consultant and strap on specialist, this news excites me! Wow well done! I’ll get this survey sent around to my database soon x

  10. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    I haven’t had the same experience, to say the least. What are you using? What recommendations can you make?

  11. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    I haven’t had the same experience, to say the least. What are you using? What recommendations can you make?

  12. Re: Very good idea, but..

    Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

  13. Re: Very good idea, but..

    Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

  14. Re: Very good idea, but..

    Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

  15. Re: Very good idea, but..

    Thanks for this. This is exactly the kind of feedback we’re looking for in the survey. We understand that a lot of trans men aren’t comfortable with an insertable device, and we hope to be able to develop an external version. One of the things we’re trying to understand is how many people would prefer each type. There’s a question about that in the survey.

  16. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

  17. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

  18. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

  19. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

  20. Re: Bionic cock? Seriously?

    We’re definitely interested in knowing how our device compares with what else people are using now, and there’s a question about that in the survey. Some people are happy with the options available to them, and others aren’t. We’re trying to understand how large each group is.

  21. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  22. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  23. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  24. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  25. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  26. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  27. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  28. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  29. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  30. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  31. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  32. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  33. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  34. Out of curiousity, can you speak to how your toy is similar to and/or different from Orgasmatronics Inc.’s existing Ambrosia Vibe: http://www.westword.com/news/meet-the-ambrosia-vibe-the-worlds-first-bionic-dildo-5124581

    There seem to be a couple of fairly big differences (i.e. the neural stimulation aspect) but other aspects of the technology are strikingly similar. Maybe an opportunity for collaboration, if you haven’t been in touch with them already.

  35. RE: Very good idea, but..

    Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

  36. RE: Very good idea, but..

    Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

  37. RE: Very good idea, but..

    Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

  38. RE: Very good idea, but..

    Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

  39. RE: Very good idea, but..

    Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

  40. RE: Very good idea, but..

    Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

  41. RE: Very good idea, but..

    Actually, the clitoris is not analogous to the penis. At least not the external clitoris, which is analogous to the glans of the penis. As the image of clitoral anatomy below shows, the portion that is analogous to the shaft of the penis surrounds the vagina. I had assumed that this is why this device is being designed so that nerve simulation from within the vagina would correspond to stroking of the shaft. I’m interested to see if they can come up with a non-insertable version that works too, for those who aren’t comfortable with an internal device.

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