Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo recently announced a new line of haptic devices under their Feel Tech technology, designed to make virtual idol concerts feel more physical and immersive. The company held its first public demonstration of the tech at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas, teaming up with popular VTuber agency hololive for the showcase.

According to Docomo, Feel Tech is a technology that “digitally translates” human sensations like touch and emotional cues which are drawn from audio-visual content. The device itself is a ball-shaped handheld gadget that syncs with on-screen performances to deliver physical feedback to whoever is holding it. This includes vibrations, pulses, and physical movements that correspond directly to what a virtual performer is doing on screen.

While the current trial was focused specifically on VTuber performances, Docomo has broader goals for Feel Tech. The company stated that one of its aims is to “enhance Japan’s rapidly growing ‘oshi-katsu’ culture” a term that refers to the practice of actively supporting a favorite celebrity or character. Based on Docomo’s own press release, the technology is not expected to stay limited to virtual idols and livestreamers, with future applications potentially extending to other areas of Japanese media such as anime and video games.

No release date or pricing details for the Feel Tech devices have been announced at this time.