Two PhD students from Georgia Tech's Digital Media Program have developed a prototype for an electric condom.
Titled the Electric Eel, the condom sends out short, mini electric impulses on the underside of the condom, the Daily Mail reported Thursday. The goal is to heighten the sensation during intercourse.
Developing more enjoyable condoms has been a prevailing mission in the technology industry. Last year the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded $100,000 in grants to those who could develop a better, thinner and safe condom.
The creators, Firaz Peer and Andrew Quitmeyer, wanted to solve the problem of regular condoms that are criticized for taking the enjoyment out of sex. The Electric Eel provides a "pleasurable, comfortable and exciting" experience, the Daily Mail reported.
Peer and Quitmeyer hope condom manufacturers will be able to place the new design inside existing condoms, while "maintaining the soundness and protection that the condoms already provide," the creators said, according to the Daily Mail.
The prototype is made of a "stimulating sleeve" with conductive paths of electrodes placed along the bottom. The wearer can program and command the electric condom's settings with a master Lilypad microcontroller, the Daily Mail reported.
"This type of device could be hooked up to numerous controllers, directed in person or using existing internet software," the designers said, according to the Daily Mail.
Peer and Quitmeyer once tested the Electric Eel using a homemade breath sensor. Depending on the rate of breaths, the user could increase or reduce the electric pulses.
The creators are raising money in order to move forward with the electric condom. Their goal is to raise $10,000 by March 31, the Daily Mail reported.
Anyone who donates more than $350 will receive a handmade Electric Eel.
Although they did not specify exactly how much electricity the condom generates, Peer and Quitmeyer promise the amount is "very small."
"The designs have all been personally tested," the creators said.
