London Conference Contemplates Future of Sex Robots

HBO‘s new show Westworld presents a world where robots are so realistic that people can actually have sex with them without discerning the difference between man and machine. Westworld takes places in an unspecified time and place, but an upcoming conference in London looks to consider the nearer-term practical and philosophical considerations of such future sex robots.

While it’s tempting to think of something called a “sex robot” as a device designed purely for carnal pleasure, conference convener Dr. Kate Devlin sees things somewhat differently. “Our research aims to carve a new narrative, moving away from sex robots purely defined as machines used as sex objects, as substitutes for human partners, made by men, for men,” she noted in a recent news piece about the conference from Breitbart Tech. “A machine is a blank slate – it is what we make of it. Why should a sex robot be binary? What about the potential for therapy? It’s time for new approaches to artificial sexuality. Cutting edge research in technology and ethics is vital if we want to reframe ideas about the human-tech relationship.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, the price for a fully functioning sex robot will likely be quite steep — futurist Dr. Ian Pearson estimates the purchase of one will be equivalent to the cost of a family-sized car.

“Now if you’re going to be buying one for that sort of money, you’ve got to buy one that you find attractive. You’ve got a wide choice over cars for instance, you’ve got to have a similar choice over robots. There’s not just going to be two models on the market, you’re going to be able to pick robots where you can customise their appearance,” Pearson elaborated. “People will design the robots that they’re buying as a home servant, or butler, or maid, or whatever it is they’re buying it for, and they’ll be customizing the appearance of that so that they find it attractive.”

Not everyone is welcoming the idea of a world full of sex robots. Pieces voicing ethical concerns about the viability of such devices have appeared in The Guardian, The Independent and more.

What’s your take? Good idea or bad?

(Our featured image is taken from the robot scene in Lick Her License Vol. 2. Cherie DeVille plays an alien-sent ‘bot custom-built to the specifications of “Earth porn.” Astronaut Dani Daniels quickly accedes to Cherie’s charms. DeVille plays the role in entertainingly tongue-in-cheek fashion, complete with stilted Mr. Roboto moves and droning electronic voice.)