London - Move over blow-up dolls, the sex
robots are here.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into the
global sex market, bringing with it a revolution in robotic
"sextech" designed to offer sexual gratification with a
near-human touch.
In a report on the growing market in sex robots, the
Foundation for Responsible Robotics said rapidly advancing
technologies have already led to the creation of "android love
dolls" capable of performing 50 automated sexual positions.
They can be customised down to the nipple shape and pubic
hair colour, and can cost between $5 000 and $15 000.
The increasingly life-like robots raise complex issues that
should be considered by policymakers and the public, the report
said -- including whether use of such devices should be
encouraged in sexual therapy clinics, for sex offenders, or for
people with disabilities.
Noel Sharkey, a professor of artificial intelligence and
robotics at Britain's University of Sheffield, said it was
difficult to predict how far or fast the market would grow, or
what its effect on societies might be in years ahead.
"Will these robotic dolls be niche? Or will they change
societal norms and become widespread?," he asked at a news
briefing. "How would (sex with a robot) equate to a truly human
intimate relationship?"
The report looked at some of the most contentious issues,
asking academics, members of the public and the sex industry for
their views on whether, for example, sex robots might be helpful
in reducing sexual crimes.
It found "major disagreement" on this question, with some
arguing that having sex with a robot would reduce attackers'
desires to harm fellow humans, and others arguing that allowing
people to live out their darkest fantasies with robots would
have a pernicious effect on societal norms.
On the issue of "meaningful" relationships, the report said
that with current AI technology, and even in the foreseeable
future, no human-to-robot feelings would ever be mutual.
"The best robots could do is 'fake it'," it said. "Robots
cannot feel love."