The air bladder sounds really cool, but the squishy seems more doable. Also, with removable squishy inserts you have the option of different types of inserts. Ribbed, bumped, and so on which might make a good change of pace.
As to what was said before about Rubbot working the shaft and neglecting the head. This might be an issue. It also might be an issue that can be fixed with the squishy insert. Maybe something similar to those water worm toys (the water filled balloon tubes that roll inside out when you try to pick them up)so that the Rubbot can still climb up and down the shaft while the head is still wrapped up tight.

Why not both I know it sounds strange but why not have an expandable squishy material. I can't imagine that the compression material would feel as comfortable as the squishy material. Also if you had a combination it might add to the durability of the inner ring.

I would stay away from the inflatable version unless you incorporate some sort of safety deflation- It sure would suck to get sued because someone overinflated it or fell asleep with it...er... attatched and they lost circulation, etc etc. Just a thought. Also, inflatable bladders may also pop.

Maybe a rubbery one size fits most strap could hold it in place. Maybe also, a detachable, microwaveable insert would be fun too!

I just had a revelation...if this thing is supposed to work like a hand then logically to get squishy to work it has to be tight getting it on might require lube ...it'll slip off! ... the compression would solve this problem and hold tight like the grip of a hand and could be easily removed and re-applied. If you can get squishy part on before the devise then It can stretch over an erection then be "locked" into the Rubbot.

I think that given all the comments, it's a common sense view that squishy will probably be the simplest to implement, as well as last the longest. It could also provide the most sensation, depending on the material.

Ideally, it would be a combination of the two. The pressure would give the insert a firmer or looser grasp, while the insert itself would lend well to the texture and overall sensation. That said, it's unclear how reliable that would be, and how long it would last.

Another issue that was brought up was keeping it attached. A strap might work, as suggested, though that still might not be enough. (It could still slip off with an awkward motion, or in an awkward position.) If the device were thin enough, it would simply need to stop BEFORE reaching the end of the shaft, but that would provide less sensation and would probably be less satisfying.

Making sure the device is light might help to prevent slippage, but it would still probably be ideal to lie down on one's back as gravity would help to keep the device on. With a lubed up insert, the toy would simply fly off while moving if standing up.

I'm not sure this was mentioned, but another idea would be to put a band on the base of the shaft, so that it has a sort of anchor point for the whole device. That way, you could have a relatively short (but effective) strap. Whether this would effect enjoyment depends on the strap width and length, the length of the shaft, etc...

One thing I was hoping to see was a video with the latest prototype, in a situation to actually gage how well it would perform. (While the beer video was interesting, it would actually be nice to see the up and down motion in action.) Would this be possible?

Hey,
I'm back again. Something new to think about.
As squishy is taking the lead in the poll, i begin to wonder baout the implementation. (though i voted compression).
I have owned and still own a squishy toy, and find it needt to be "kept on" my joe average. If i do nothing, it just jumps off.
My biggest worry at the moment is how will the rubbot stay on me? It would be a shame to create a "hands free" toy where you need your hands for it to work.

I would think that the "squishy" option would likely be a simpler option logistically, but it seems like something of a cop out to use something so mundane in conjunction with the rest of the machine. Air compression offers the option of a custom fit without the need to produce multiple sizes, as well as potentially offering a mode in which the inflatable cuff could expand and contract independently, which would feel awesome. What concerns me is how much volume and weight would the inflation device add to the product? If it gets to large the only way it would be practical to use it would be as a freestanding piece of furniture (which isn't a horrible idea...)

i think a bunch of people on here have raised some pretty good arguments for the squishy idea. thats why i chose the squishy option too.

I voted squishy because I own a fleshlight. If it feels like a fleshlight and it's hands free then you're going to have a great product. I don't know how a "blood pressure cuff" sex toy is going to feel around my thing.
The only thing I don't like about the squishy material is that it attracts mole to the item if you don't clean it and air dry it. If you wash it then it will last a little bit longer than not washing it at all, (Clean your products for you safety)but I don't like to air dry it because I don't want a male sex toy out in the open where someone can find it.
Heat is a plus for the squishy and that increase the pleasure with the lube that will be used with the product.

I would say an insert makes a lot more sense. Not only does it allow you to market different inserts. Air compression isn't going to transfer the energy of the vibrations or rubbing as well either w/o a radical new way of manufacturing the product.

Think, much like the flesh light, you can sell inserts to fit the consumers' desire and to create different effects. Modular is normally a good thing

I gotta go with the squishy

1.) You could make replacement squishy cartridges so one doesn't have to replace the entire $100 machine when the squishy tears. Once the compression device breaks then the consumer's only recourse is to buy a brand new Rubbot OR you guys have to cough up a new one. Either way that sucks.

2.) I think the compression is honestly a gimmick. I think the squishy will be more of a snug fit. The compression sounds nice on paper, I just don't think it will translate into a better product.

I'm honestly against the idea of a combination of the squishy plus compression. I really don't think adding compression to an existing squishy sleeve is going to make the toy any more enjoyable. I think the more components there are with the Rubbot the more that can go wrong with it. Keep it simple and keep it durable.

My vote definately goes for squishy - think of a fleshlight, as per the example. They're easily cleaned and replaceable. I've heard that the fleshlights are made of pretty tough stuff, but I do agree that the inserts I've used can rip pretty easily. I haven't gotten my hands on a fleshlight, so that I'm not positive about, but still. The compression thing worries me a bit. Just my two cents.

I voted compression. Although I was just thinking it would be awesome if you could make a squishy version that is compressible!

someone pointed out having a replaceable insert, i agree with that, have a 'squishy' insert, and a 'compression' insert, and you could also if you wanted make custom inserts, for different levels and types of 'squishy'...
i'm sure whatever you guys do, it will work out magnificently.

I would vote for the squishy but after reviewing comments I would have to say that the squishy would feel better I am sure but not to sure if it would stay on as well as the compressed air but if the unit had some weight to it then perhaps it would be the better choice to have the squishy as the weight of the unit perhaps would keep it on.... just my thoughts....

I initially voted for compression: Easy and wide-ranging adjustment for the surround, different pressures if that is what the user prefers.

Then I thought about wear, part replacement, etc. Sure, compression is adjustable, but that means that there are far more moving parts to break, the hassle of ordering a replacement ring/bladder/pump/whatever, or the annoyance of having the compression ring spring a leak during a crucial moment in a Rubbot session

So, I voted for squishy instead: Parts are inexpensive and should be relatively easy to replace, and no blown tires in mid-rub.

Whatever you folks select, I'm sure it will be fine.

I was originally favoring squishy, then the more I thought about it, being able to customize how tight it would wrap around would be nice.

But as said before, concerns of longevity impact both options.

I'm honestly torn, because both are prone to longevity issues which is no good in a toy of this price range.

The squishy material, in my experience, tears/wears out rather easily. My wife got me one of those skin-like toy vagina/anus combo units a while back (looks like they took a mold of the model's crotch and edge of her butt cheeks), and I ended up leaving noticeable rips on the very first try. And it DEFINITELY requires lube to be able to get into it at all.

Meanwhile the air pump scenario leads to the issue of gaskets wearing out over time and leaks occurring. I like the idea of it allowing you to vary the pressure (imagine if you had an electric pump built in and could raise and lower the pressure on the fly while in action...), so that gives it a point over the squishy stuff.

I guess in the end it comes down to how reliably you can build either one. And if you did go with the squishy, make sure you design it so the squishy part is easily user-replaceable so we can always purchase new ones (give you a great add-on market for new textures or improved materials) when ours wear out. Heck, that would even allow us to buy ones that better fit our sizes if need be.

I guess the squishy gets my vote in the end, but it's a close one. I'm definitely intrigued by the possibilities that could arise from the pump concept, though.

I'm leaning toward squish for durability. If it's gonna be $100, it should last a while. Compression is going to lead to more breaks (broken seals will happen with use and people are bound to over pump).

Until I see more info on the compression system, I'll stick with squishy.

which option would "conduct" the vibration better? it strikes me that the squishy option would have more of a dampening effect. if this is indeed the case, then my vote is for the air compression.

All of a sudden I feel a need to go out and buy a blood pressure cuff. Is that wrong?

Both ideas are great, but I see squishy's lifespan far surpassing that of compression. However, with modern technologies that theory could be proven wrong. If you take care of anything, it'll last a life-time.

- HVS