Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? – Study Guide

The empathy box let you have the same experience of Wilbur Mercer. Everyone using an empathy box at a particular time share the feelings of Wilbur Mercer.

It is also used for the humans left on Earth to connect with those who have left,

"An empathy box," he said, stammering in his excitement, "is the most personal possession you have. It's an extension of your body; it's the way you touch other humans, it's the way you stop being alone.