Largely due to a diet rich in carbohydrates and fatty acids, more and more Americans are spending longer hours in the bathroom, and less and less time at their offices, or with their families, say seasoned experts. During that downtime, most say they still want to remain connected to the world wide web.

In order to solve the problem of how to stay logged on, Japanese company Toto has developed the Internet Toilet, or “It,” known commonly in Japan as “Bobbi-san.” Users connect to wi-fi by simply raising the lid. Arriving at New York’s JFK International Airport, Toto Press Affairs Officer Matsumoto Hiroaki beamed a wide grin as he displayed Toto prototypes of “It” to customs officials.

“It’s not going to bite you,” he assured 25-year customs veteran official Bob Edmunds. “There’s a little area, maybe over there, you could give it a go, if you like,” suggested Mr. Matsumoto, with a humorous wink.

“I thought the Japanese were supposed to be shy,” quipped Edmunds, hands on his hips, fingering his standard-issue service revolver absently. “This guy reminds me of my college roommate – we used to call him ‘Rimshot’ – he was such a hoot.”

The futuristic toilets will make their debut in New York shops early this month.