Being that I’m not one to sleep much, this phone may not effect me as much as it would the next person, but it’s still uber-creepy — so take caution before reading on, har har.

Entitled “Elfoid”, by Japan’s ATR (Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute), the device is a mix between mini humanoid, telepresence robot and cell phone and was created with the intentions of making remote communication more intimate and personal — Riiiight.

The 20cm long Elfoid features a number controls strategically placed behind its skin (yes, you read that right) and a camera that not only captures emotions on your face, but also reads body language, translating them into “real-time” feelings for the receiver on the other end.

The ATR hopes to have this creepy lil’bugger in retail stores within 5 years (cross your fingers that doesn’t include Canada), loaded with a range of motors, sensors and other bells and whistles to boost the level of realism.

Watch the promo video:

[Click here for mobile friendly viewing]

Just imagine (if the idea does come to Canada) walking through the mall and everyone is interacting with a lil’humanoid phone/doll? Weird.

[via Mobile Crunch]