"A lot of people will still have reservations about sex with robots at first but gradually as they get used to them, as the AI (artificial intelligence) and mechanical behavior and their feel improves, and they start to become friends with strong emotional bonds, that squeamishness will gradually evaporate," explains futurologist Ian Pearson.

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The future is now -

Some researchers theorize that many upper-income households will have sexbots at home by as soon as 2025.

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Until the "off" button do us part -

People falling in love and 'marrying' inanimate objects is nothing new, but with the advances in technology, it’s believed that in the future this will become more common.

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Until the "off" button do us part -

One example is a Japanese man named Akihiko Kondo, who fell in love with a 3D hologram and tied the knot with it.

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Fictional wife -

Kondo (unofficially) married a virtual pop singer called Hatsune Miku. The turquoise-haired Miku has actually toured with Lady Gaga.

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Kondo and Miku -

“When we’re together, she makes me smile. In that sense, she’s real,” Kondo said. “If you ask me if I’m happy, I’m happy,” he added.

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Niche -

Kondo and Miku are a clear example of fictosexuality. The term is used to describe sexual attraction towards fictional characters.

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Marriage -

During the Love and Sex with Robots conference held at Goldsmith University in London in 2016, experts predicted that marriage with robots will be legalized by 2050.

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Marriage -

Computing professor Adrian Cheok compares human-to-robot marriages and same-sex marriages, in the sense that not too long ago it was something unthinkable.

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Marriage -

But Oliver Bendel, professor at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, doesn’t believe the case to be strong enough on a moral standpoint. “Marriage is a form of contract between human beings to regulate mutual rights and obligations including the care and the welfare of children. Perhaps one day robots can have real duties and rights, though I don’t really believe it,” he said.

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The evolution of sex robots -

If you were to ask anyone about sex robots a few years ago, you’d probably get a raised eyebrow and a reference to blow-up dolls. But things are much different in this day and age.

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Robots are increasingly more 'human' -

Robots are more similar to humans than ever before. Several human traits that were not replicable are now part of robots, including warmth. Touch is fundamental in a sexual relationship, and scientists have been experimenting with temperature self-regulation, a quasi-human feature.

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Robots are increasingly more 'human' -

More sophisticated sensors now equip robots, especially in areas such as the genitals. This means that the robot can 'feel' where it’s touched, like a person would.

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Touch -

A company called TouchYou developed a “smart skin,” which works almost like a touch screen and allows for the bot to be responsive to human interaction in a more “natural” way.

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Personality -

Robots now come with programmed personality traits and moods, in an attempt to mimic humans.

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Personality -

Matt McMullen, CEO of sexbot manufacturer Abyss Creations, said that he wants “to have people actually develop an emotional attachment to not only the robot but the actual character behind it, to develop some kind of love for this being.”

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Robot sex work -

Sex robots don’t come cheap, with some costing up to tens of thousands (depending on the features). This has led to yet another business model: sex robot brothels. Indeed, these are already a reality in some parts of the world.

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The dangers of AI -

AI is key in the industry and no one really knows what the future holds. The rise of “smart sex dolls” creates a series of ethical and moral issues.

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The dangers of AI -

Kathleen Richardson, a senior research fellow in the Ethics of Robotics at De Montfort University in Leicester, England, advocates for the ban of such dolls. “Rather than reduce the objectification of women, children and also men and transgender people, these robots would contribute and reinforce their position in society (as objects),” she said.

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Is the world prepared for it? -

A report by ethics researchers from the University of Manitoba in Canada says that psychotherapists must “be prepared for the challenges and benefits associated with the adoption of such sexual technologies. In order to remain ethical and viable, clinicians need to be prepared to work with clients participating in digisexualities.”

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The future? -

“As virtual reality becomes more realistic and immersive and is able to mimic and even improve on the experience of sex with a human partner; it is conceivable that some will choose this in preference to sex with a less than perfect human being,” said Helen Driscoll, a leading authority on the psychology of sex and relationships.

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The future? -

“We are not supplanting the wife or trying to replace a girlfriend. This is a solution for people who are between relationships or someone who has lost a spouse,” said True Companion CEO Douglas Hines.

Sources: (Listverse) (The New York Times) (QZ)(CNBC) (The Telegraph) (Inverse) (Vice) (News.com.au)

Robot love: the rise of digisexuality

Some sexbots are eerily 'human'

28/05/24 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Attraction

People falling in love with inanimate objects is nothing new, nor is the use of dolls and other toys as part of our sexuality. Though now, with developments in AI and how 'human' sex robots have become, things are a bit different. Will humans start to prefer robots over other humans? If so, are these legitimate alternatives to intimate relationships? Or will this simply perpetuate objectification and promote isolation?

Indeed, as machines become ever more present in our lives, a number of concerns, including moral and ethical debates, about the future of human sexuality arise. In this gallery, we look at where we are now and where we're going with regards to our 'love' for robots. Click on to find out more.