Cox: The Hug Project - Stacey's Story

As the world reemerges, people can begin to connect again, but for those who are immunocompromised, social distancing and separation extend past the pandemic. As a technology company — and a human company — Cox Communications aims to be a part of the solution to safely help families that are unable to reunite in person. In an effort to help close the distance between people and their loved ones, Cox and FCB, in partnership with interactive fashion brand CuteCircuit, connect immunocompromised families with ‘The Hug Project.’ The campaign showcases a first-of-its-kind innovation that allows loved ones to embrace virtually across the nation — the HugShirt. Watch how Cox and FCB utilised the HugShirts to reunite three families — the Browns, the Hellons and the Trotts — who are unable to reunite in person even as the vaccine rollout continues, and documented their stories. Designed to help safely close the distance between people and their loved ones, the HugShirt uses Wi-Fi, plus strategically placed haptic actuators and sensors, in combination with a designated app, to provide a whole new way for people to connect and embrace while remaining physically distant. Through the app, users can connect their own HugShirt to a loved one’s and share a unique embrace, giving any user the feeling they need to feel physical touch and personal connection.