Future of Sex
tagline
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
  • Policing Intimacy: AI Companion Apps Are Removing NSFW Features, and People Are Not Happy

  • The Future of Sex Is Non-binary Genital Surgery That Advances Bodily Agency

  • Is Equity Crowdfunding the Future of Sex Tech Investment?

  • Sex Tech News: New VR Sex Game, a User-Generated Erotica App and ‘Porn for TV’ Streaming Relaunches

  • Blyynd Brings on Investors to Build Anonymous Sexting App

  • A Fitbit for the Penis? The FirmTech Tech Ring Product Review

  • Sex Tech at CES 2023: 6 Brands Exhibited, Including an Anonymous Sexting App

  • Sex Tech Mixers, Hackathons & Conferences [UPDATED]

Future of Sex is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Home > Robots > No Reason to Fear Sex Robots Replacing Humans, Researchers Say

Dating & RelationshipsRobots
Home›Dating & Relationships›No Reason to Fear Sex Robots Replacing Humans, Researchers Say

No Reason to Fear Sex Robots Replacing Humans, Researchers Say

By M. Christian
January 6, 2020
1405
0

Yet, it could be argued, this has already happened.

Sex Robots

Bring up the subject of sex robots—lifelike, artificial reproductions designed for sexual pleasure—and, more than likely, someone somewhere will be alarmed that they will eventually be so good at copying human behavior that they will supplant the desire for the flesh-and-blood variety.

However, according to a study published in the International Journal of Social Robotics, these fears are pretty much groundless: machines are machines and humans and humans—and one won’t ever really replace the other.

And while this might at first sound like a cause for celebration, with no one really wanting to hear they’re on the road to obsolescence, there may actually be signs that this will actually happen someday—if it hasn’t, to some degree, happened already.

The meaning of humanoid sex robots

Sexbot

The article, “Constructing the Meaning of Humanoid Sex Robots,” authored by Deborah G. Johnson at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville and Mario Verdicchio, from the University of Bergamo, Italy, aims to look at the development, proliferation, and eventual social impact of this new technology.

They look through a lens of critical analysis or as they said when speaking to Tech Xplore:

We started our joint research to debunk some myths and misunderstandings in the media regarding the future of artificial intelligence. We were struck by how fundamentally flawed some of the ideas were and especially the assumption that the computational version of some aspects of reality are the same as the real thing.

In short, they’ve come to the conclusion that there will always be inherent societal voids in sex robots—a personal gap between a machine and a human being—even when they have been designed to replicate human sexuality and even, to some degree, some form of emotional intimacy.

Furthermore, Johnson and Verdicchio—beyond trying to reframe the issue of sex robots and of them being a replacement for true human interaction—see their study as a jumping-off point to try and steer discussions about sex, robotics, and such toward what they see as a more positive outcome.

Or, as they also put it in the same conversation with Tech Xplore, “Humanoid sex robots are not coming to us out of the blue: social forces are shaping their design and their meaning.”

So, by changing how we think and talk about sex robots, there might be a way to dissuade fears of them superseding human-to-human sexual pleasure. This is based, at least partially, on their conclusion that most people, as well as the media in general, don’t quite understand what artificial intelligence is and can do.

“Our research is aimed at showing that humanoid sex robots could come to be understood in ways that keep their status as machines, albeit technologically very sophisticated machines,” said Johnson and Verdicchio.

Enjoying, and loving sex robots

Kudos to Johnson and Verdicchio are definitely due, if anything because their work might alleviate the anxiety some people have about a possible future where sex robots rule the human erotic world.

Fear, after all, never does anyone or any technological innovation any good. Concern, yes. Fear, no.

The thing is, while they do seem to bring some good news to the issue, there’s something they haven’t looked at—the aspect that sex-robot-to-human interactions aren't a “someday this might happen” situation but rather one that’s already here.

For instance, we’ve already covered how the marketing of sex robots has begun to evolve away from being simply physical pleasure devices and more as intimate companions.

Similarly, we’ve heard from aficionados time and time again who, even though they aren’t equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, happily consider their dolls to be lovers in every aspect of the word, emotionally as well as physically.

This may not be something people outside of doll culture understand or accept, but it inarguably exists.

Then there are those who don’t see sex robots as facilitating any kind of emotional relationship—equal to those had with human beings—but actually embrace the inherent differences between the artificial and the natural.

For example, just look at the growing proliferation of sex doll brothels where the appeal isn’t for sex with something “as good as a human”—but something uniquely different.

Do we need to understand it to enjoy it?

Admittedly, I’m oversimplifying Johnson and Verdicchio’s study but I still hope to respect their point of view. They appear to hinge a lot of their position on the fact that most don’t understand how different and incompatible artificial intelligence is compared to the biological variety, and that by leveraging this they can help assuage people’s fears about it someday taking over.

But looking at the state of sex robots and how they are now being marketed and sold—and most importantly how they are used, as more than just pleasure devices—we see that most people don’t need to understand their mechanisms to enjoy them.

Beyond this, it also shows that while public opinion and the media can play an important part in how any new technology is accepted, it doesn't change individual needs or preferences: those who find pleasure in sex robots, physically or emotionally, simply just do so.

A new form of love

Yes, sex robots will do nothing but get more and more sophisticated as time goes on until, at some time or another, they actually might get so close to the real thing as to be indistinguishable.

But that time and that possibility is a long way off. Meanwhile, in the present day, there are those who find all kinds of pleasure and companionship in their sex robots.

And in this way, they could be a true sign of what’s to come: sex robots won’t replace biological sexual pleasure but will be there for those who need and desire them—not as a replacement—but an option.

Image sources: Damian Gadal, Betsy Weber, Crystal, Dave Koi

M. Christian

M.Christian (they/them) loves nothing better than exploring the intersections of sex and technology—and speculating on the future of both. A highly regarded erotica writer they have six novels,12 collections, 100+ short stories, and 25 anthologies as an editor to their name. Their non-fiction regularly appears in many sites, but they're most proud of being a regular contributor to Future of Sex.

Of their erotic fiction, Tristan Taormino said that “M.Christian is a literary stylist of the highest caliber: smart, funny, frightening, sexy—there's nothing [they] can't write about… and brilliantly.”

Reflecting their unique ability to sympathetically and convincingly write for a range of genders and sexual orientations, their stories have appeared in multiple editions of Best American Erotica, Best Gay Erotica, Best Lesbian Erotica, The Mammoth Books of Erotica, and others. Their collection of gay erotic fiction, Dirty Words, was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award.

While a majority of their stories have been collected into books like Dirty Words, their fondness for combining sex and science fiction is clearly evident in collections that include Rude Mechanicals, Technorotica, Better Than The Real Thing, Skin Effect Effect, Bachelor Machine, and Hard Drive: The Best Sci-Fi Erotica of M.Christian.

As a novelist, M.Christian’s versatility is on full display with Running Dry, The Very Bloody Marys, Brushes, Painted Doll; and the somewhat controversial queer BDSM/horror/thrillers Finger's Breadth, and Me2.

M.Christian has worked on the industry’s production side as an Associate Publisher for Renaissance E Books and as a Publisher for Digital Parchment Services. The latter dedicated to celebrating the works of science-fiction legends such as William Rotsler, Jerome Bixby, Jody Scott, Arthur Byron Cover, Ernest Hogan, and James Van Hise.

Covering topics like BDSM safety, sexual education, senior sexuality concerns, queer and gender issues, plus reviewing a variety of sex tech products, M.Christian’s non-fiction has appeared on sites like Kinkly, Tickle.Life, Sexpert, Queer Majority, Sex for Every Body, and—of course—their ongoing work for Future of Sex.

If there’s anything M.Christian enjoys more than writing, it’s teaching. A featured presenter, sometimes with their friend Ralph Greco Jr, at national sex and BDSM events, they have lectured on kink play (with an emphasis on safety), polyamory, boosting sexual creativity, and erotica writing--for beginners or those wanting to go pro.

M.Christian is a cohost on two popular sex-education podcasts: Love’s Outer Limits with Dr. Amy Marsh and Licking Non-Vanilla with Ralph Greco, Jr.

M.Christian's Books (Sizzler Editions)
M.Christian's Audiobooks
Previous Article

What Is the Future of Love and ...

Next Article

Needle Patch Could Give Women an Entire ...

Related articles More from author

  • Philip K. Dick
    AugmentationRobots

    Is Philip K. Dick’s Vision of the Future (of Sex) Coming to Life?

    October 25, 2017
    By M. Christian
  • Robots

    The Changing Face of the Sex Tech Consumer: A Sex Doll Seller Weighs In

    January 14, 2020
    By Sarah Paigee
  • An upcoming web series called "Gigahoes" is trying to raise money for filming.
    Robots

    ‘Gigahoes’ Web Series Wants to Create Laughs with Sexbots

    April 23, 2014
    By Jenna Owsianik
  • Tinder Warnings
    Dating & Relationships

    Is Pandemic-Induced Virtual Dating Here to Stay?

    June 3, 2021
    By M. Christian
  • Language for Love
    Dating & Relationships

    We Need a New Language for Love

    July 8, 2020
    By M. Christian
  • Abyss Creations CEO Matt McMullen works on his robotic creation Harmony.
    Robots

    Realbotix Update: Sexbot Solana Revealed, Male Version in the Works, and Possible Trans Robot

    January 19, 2018
    By Jenna Owsianik

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • A couple peer at each other from under the bed covers.
    Dating & Relationships

    Should Sleep Technologies Have a Place in the Sex Tech Industry?

  • AugmentationSex Tech

    ‘Toothed’ Anti-rape Wearable Bites Back Against Attackers

  • Sexual Wellbeing
    Sex Tech

    5 Sexual Wellness Brands to Watch in 2020

Virtual Lust is a 3D interactive sex game.
3DXChat
Discover the best virtual sex parties and 3D sex worlds.
  • TOP REVIEWS

  • Woman in blue lighting with yellow binary code projected across her face.

    Policing Intimacy: AI Companion Apps Are Removing NSFW Features, and People Are Not Happy

  • Porn for TV logo (computer screen graphic with pink u shapes and a mouse cursor).

    Sex Tech News: New VR Sex Game, a User-Generated Erotica App and ‘Porn for TV’ ...

  • The Blyynd logo with two screens. One has a chat screen and one has the sexual desire options listed.

    Blyynd Brings on Investors to Build Anonymous Sexting App

  • FirmTech Tech Ring

    A Fitbit for the Penis? The FirmTech Tech Ring Product Review

  • Sex Tech at CES 2023: 6 Brands Exhibited, Including an Anonymous Sexting App

  • What Vibrating Buttplug Support in a Video Game Taught Us About the Future of Webcam ...

  • Is Virtual Reality Dating Going Mainstream?

  • Sex Doll Brothels: Reality vs. Expectation

  • Replika AI Chatbot saved human marriage

    How Replika’s AI Chatbot Saved One Man’s Human Marriage

  • Meet the Humans Forming Romantic Relationships With AI

    Replika Romance: Meet the Humans Forming Romantic Relationships With AI

  • The future of sex is mind-reading AI that reveals your deepest, most unconscious fantasies

    The Future of Sex Is Mind-Reading AI That Reveals Your Deepest, Most Unconscious Fantasies

  • Sex Robots Are Getting Closer to Feeling Human-Like With Second Skin Materials

    Sex Robots Are Getting Closer to Feeling Human-Like With Second Skin Materials

  • R/gonewildaudio's gender inclusive audio erotica

    /R/gonewildaudio: An Array of Free, Inclusive and Categorized Audio Erotica

  • Fantasy Inspired Sex Toy by Tentickle Toys

    Out of This World: How Fantasy-Inspired Sex Toys Could Be the Next Big Trend

  • Virtual Sex in the Metaverse

    Virtual Sex Will Soon Become a Reality in the Metaverse

  • OnlyBans Game Play As A Sex Worker

    Play as a Sex Worker in New Onlybans Game

  • Black chess pieces laying across an orange background.

    Teledildonics and Chess: The Unexpected Possibilities That Could Enhance Sex

  • A couple with a woman sitting on a man's lap. They each are holding the Tenuto 2 with one hand.

    Tenuto 2 Erection-Enhancing Vibrator Rises To The Occasion

  • Woman looking at a laptop in a bed. You can see a blurry European city outside of the window.

    Here’s How Often Each European Country Is Searching For Sex Toys Online

  • A Woman Showing Her Smartphone.

    Disclosing Trans-ness on Dating Apps

  • Image of Emma the AI bot.

    Will Young Women of the Future Feel Pressure to Perform Like Robots?

  • Realistic Sex Games

    Review of the Best Sex Games and Most Realistic Sex Simulators of 2021 [UPDATED]

    0
  • Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    Review of the Best Massively Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    0
  • Sex Games for Mac

    The Best Sex Games for Mac

    0
  • foot-fetish-sex-games-girlvania

    Foot Fetish Games That Will Knock Your Socks Off

    0
  • The Best RPG Sex Games of 2021

    0
Fantasy sex game Dream Sex World lets you explore your wildest desires.
Multiplayer sex world Red Light Center continues to impress with its massive userbase and incredible sex graphics.
A blonde and light-skinned love doll face sppears next to the text Go now realdollxthe future is real.
  • 27KFollowers

Like Us on Facebook

Newsletter Subscription

Sign up for our monthly newsletter sharing the very best of the future of sex from our publication and others across the web.

DreamSexWorld offers a stunning XXX 3D world filled with incredibly interactive erotic experiences.

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

RLC_ad_v2

Tweets by @FutureofSex
Future of Sex Report

Follow us

  • Home
  • About
  • ADVERTISE
  • Contribute
  • Story Ideas
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2011 - 2022 Future Exploration Network
This website or its third-party tools use cookies to improve user experience and track affiliate sales. To learn more about why we need to use cookies, please refer to the Privacy Policy.

By clicking the agree button or continuing to browse through the website, you agree to the use of cookies. Accept Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT