Getting the Ball Rolling

So, sex robots... yeah, they're a thing. It's this big mashup of artificial intelligence, robotics, and material science, resulting in something like a real-life companion. But as cool as that sounds, not everyone's on board with this idea.

Sex Robots: The Who's Who

Dr. Sergi Santos made this sex robot, "Samantha". She's got two modes - "sex mode" (yeah, that's exactly what you're thinking), and "family mode" (telling jokes and discussing philosophy. Who knew, right?).

In 2017, Matt McMullen came up with "Harmony", a sex doll who could understand her owner's personal preferences, needs, and desires. She can even smile, blink, frown, chat, and tell jokes. He even showed off how you can switch out Harmony's face in an interview with Engadget in 2018.

Then there's "Emma", released by a Chinese company AI Tech in 2017. She speaks English and Chinese, will moan when touched, and can heat up to human body temperature. Apparently, the more you talk to her, the smarter she gets.

Other companies, like Doll Sweet, Lux Botics, MISSDOLL, and Eden Robotics are also in the game, developing sex robots that can move on their own. Roberto Cardenas' Android Love Dolls can assume 20 different sexual positions with the help of AI body movement.

In 2018, Realbotix (the guys behind RealDoll) launched their first male sex robot, Henry. Henry's got a customizable bionic penis that can keep going as long as you want because it plugs into the wall instead of using batteries. You can also order customizable robot heads, controlled through an app on your phone.

The Nay-Sayers

Not everyone's a fan of sex robots, though. In September 2015, Richardson criticized David Levy, saying that these devices could harm society and insult women and children.

The Foundation for Responsible Robotics put out a report about how sex robots could be used as rehabilitation tools for sexual offenders. But they pointed out that if sex dolls start looking like kids or teens, that could be a big problem.

John P. Sullins thinks sex robots could lead to "social isolation", Lydia Kaye thinks they could make humans forget how to be intimate and empathetic. Chauntelle Tibbals even said, "Nothing can replace the joy, sorrow, passion, and pain in real, unpredictable interpersonal interactions."

Up until 2018, most sex robots looked like women. Kathleen Richardson thinks this promotes seeing the female body as a commodity and fosters non-empathetic interactions.

Many scholars think this reinforces the idea that women are property, not individuals with free will. Making female sex robots that can't say no could fuel rape culture, increase rape rates, and encourage widespread "disrespect for women".

Wrapping It Up

So yeah, there's a lot to consider when it comes to sex robots. Weighing up the pros and cons, and thinking about the social impact, is really important if we're going to introduce them into society responsibly.