It’s hard to imagine life before technology. For so many people, it plays a fundamental role in their every day lives – so much so that momentary separation from their gadgets can cause a certain level of anxiety. Whereas technology used to supplement our daily tasks, it has now become essential in order to be productive. Not surprisingly – as developments are continually made and devices become more advanced – we begin to see more and more sci-fi movies about artificially intelligent robots determined to wipe out the human race. Though it’s not clear whether or not this robo-apocalypse will actually happen, it does certainly seem like a possibility, especially with the advent of companies like True Companion, which is looking to launch the world’s first sex robot with artificial intelligence by the end of the year.
UM…DID YOU SAY SEX ROBOT?
Sex dolls aren’t exactly an innovation, but an artificially intelligent sex doll – or sex robot – is certainly a first. True Companion, based in New Jersey, is looking to start selling Roxxxy (Yes, she has a name and yes, it has three x’s) later this year for about $7,000, according to NY Daily News.
Today, the global sex toy industry is valued at about $15 billion and is expected to grow in the next coming years, according to Alternet. This means the market for such products is definitely concrete and profitable. The announcement of True Companions’ sex bot, however, has stirred up some major ethical questions. According to Kathleen Richardson, a U.K.- based ethicist and Campaign Against Sex Robot leader:
“We think that the creation of such robots will contribute to detrimental relationships between men and women, adults and children, men and men and women and women.”
Although at first, the sex robot seems harmless, Richardson argues that “rather than [reducing] the objectification of women, children and also men and transgender people, these robots would contribute and reinforce their position in society (as objects).”
THE ARGUMENT FOR THE SEX ROBOT
Interestingly enough, manufacturers of the sex dolls argue the exact opposite. According to chief executive, Douglas Hines, the robots are not always about sex. Matt Krivicke, a sculptor for Sinthetics, seems to agree. He has been working with the LA-based company for the last five years, producing almost life-like sex dolls.
While working there, he found the overwhelming majority of buyers are “just people with a fascination for the human body”, many of which are “saner” than people you meet on the street, reports the Independent. According to the sculptur, the dolls can also offer companionship and intimacy in a variety of circumstances – maybe for a husband who recently lost his wife, for “normal people craving attention” or for people who are just not ready to date.
“Couples find the dolls a safe way to introduce another partner as there are no emotions. It’s sexual exploration without cheating,” states Krivicke. Many people even begin to care for their dolls – investing a lot of time and energy into fostering the relationships.
Regardless of these arguments, ethicists are still concerned that the sex toys can serve as human substitutions, replacing the need for human interaction altogether.
