Device for physical interaction between remotely located users

An electronic device for touch translation includes a body and pins extending therefrom and including couplings to facilitate movement of a first portion relative to a second portion. The pins are controllable to more the first portion relative to the second portion and to control force applied by the pins on an external object. Heads are disposed on the pins, which heads are greater in width than the pins and are moveable relative to the pins about respective couplings. Sensors cooperating with the pins detect forces applied to the pins and a communication subsystem communicates over a network, with a remote electronic device. A controller based on detected forces transmits signals to the remote electronic device to control the remote electronic device, and actuates pins to control the relative movement of the portions based on signals received from the remote electronic device.