Love and Sex with Robots | The Evolution of Human-Robot Relationships

Interesting review of a new book: LOVE AND SEX WITH ROBOTS | The Evolution of Human-Robot Relationships. | By David Levy.

From the article:Robo Love
By ROBIN MARANTZ HENIG

A few months ago I wrote a magazine article about scientists who are building robots capable of a rudimentary form of sociability. As part of my research, I spent a few days at the humanoid robotics laboratory at M.I.T. And I admit: I developed a little crush on one of the robots. The object of my affection was Domo, a man-size machine with a buff torso and big blue eyes, a cross between He-Man and the Chrysler Building; when it gripped my hand in its strong rubbery pincers I felt a kind of thrill. So I was primed for the basic premise of David Levy’s provocative new book, “Love and Sex With Robots”: that there will soon come a day when people fall in love with robots and want them for companions, friends, love objects and possibly even partners for sex and marriage.

That day is imminent, Levy writes, especially the sex part. By the middle of this century, he predicts, “love with robots will be as normal as love with other humans, while the number of sexual acts and lovemaking positions commonly practiced between humans will be extended, as robots teach more than is in all of the world’s published sex manuals combined.”

nytimes.com | Robo Love | By ROBIN MARANTZ HENIG

Hmmm, intriguing.

All the pluses with none of the negatives, for those who can afford it.

It can only help the gene pool, keeping the anti-social loners at home with their robot "toys."

HEY! Sign me up!

On the plus side, it could teach one how to be a better partner for a real human being, for those so inclined.

Actually, it's already happening, at hourly rates, in Korea:

Robot sex already exists, sort of, in the form of sex dolls — generally slim, big-breasted females with pliable “cyberskin” and a fake heartbeat that increases as the doll mimics arousal. Levy helpfully includes the addresses for Web sites where such dolls can be purchased today for several thousand dollars each. He also writes about the “doll experience rooms” in many Korean hotels (25,000 won, or about $25 an hour), which sprang up after that country cracked down on prostitution in 2004. There was some debate over whether paying for sex with dolls was also illegal, but for now, according to Levy, the prostitution ban applies only to intercourse with other humans.

nytimes.com | Robo Love | By ROBIN MARANTZ HENIG

Ewww, doll whores!

I think I'd rather have one exclusively for myself, um...if I was going to have one at all.

How long will it be before the robots take the humans out of the equation altogether, and start having sex with each other?

Will there be a market for robo-porn?

Hmmm...I want a sexy robot man..like 009..

I can actually see a lot of people doing that. Many people dont find love in life or see so many flaws in people they do find, so why not build the perfect lover?

reply to post by UnforgiveableSin


Thanks for the post, UnforgiveableSin.

I'd about given up on this thread, 100 views and no comments 'til now.

I guess it's a rather touchy subject. :shk:

But who wouldn't want the perfect lover; always young, willing and able.

If the computing technology can duplicate sentience/personality well enough, I wonder how long before it would be socially acceptable to appear in public with one's robo-love on your arm?

I mean, if you can "marry" your robo, that would be the next step, wouldn't it?

Here's another idea:

Would famous personalities eventually consider licensing their image/looks to be robo-love dolls?

What about the estates of deceased personalities; would they consider licensing robo-dolls?

Could it become socially acceptable to have for instance, a "Marilyn Monroe" or a "Cary Grant?"

Or, for those so inclined, the Three Stooges!?

The mind wobbles!

reply to post by goosdawg


the original robo-porn i believe....





well... it was before baywatch.

[edit on 4-1-2008 by callmedave]

[edit on 4-1-2008 by callmedave]

reply to post by callmedave


Thanks callmedave!

I notice the "little" robot dude has a heart-on....

his chest!! :shk:



My question is: where's his other hand?


[edit on 4-1-2008 by goosdawg]

Maybe something like this would stop a lot of rapes,molestation, by sick perverts. Because some people are so horny they resort to those bad type of things. So instead they buy one of these robots, and don't worry about nothing else.

i think some guys in this thread could benefit from these if they come with a smoo that cant get pregnant and can be turned on with the flick of a light switch.

then there'd be no more bitchin about women not wanting long term relationships with a dude who refers to them as "tail" and "roots".

and some wonder why theyre lonely in love

OK but do you think my soon to be ex will get jealous? It might be a bit embarrasing for your friends that come over, I can see it now, yes I replaced Daniel with this super effecent technologically advanced robot.

Actually, I would take the Honey Do model over the sex bot...

reply to post by jca2005


I read some articles on this topic for a graduate class. One of the ethical concerns brought up in those articles was the possibility of these robots being manufactured in kids sizes. If I can find the article link, I'll post it. There is concern that the child molesters will have access to robotic children and this will perpetuate their bad behavior rather than rehabilitate them, if that's even possible.

This may be a good thing for those with HIV/AIDS, or other communicable diseases, being able to have sexual outlets or companionship despite their diseases. Everyone needs personal contact.

I never got how sex with an inanimate object (or automaton) would be much different than good old-fashioned masterbation...

I mean, it's either the real deal, or Rosy Palm and her five sisters, any way you play it...

For me, the difference is in a partner who genuinely reacts, etc. Even if robotic, you'd know the reaction is still coming from a toaster, so no different than diddling yourself really...

To each their own I suppose....

Link won't be able to save Princess Zelda from this. Fictional characters made into rea life sex slave-bots.

reply to post by jca2005


It's funny, that though crossed my mind right before I read your post. I think it's a good and valid point. I mean some sickos can feel free to live out their sick fantasies using a robot instead of a person. Makes you wonder if that would ever be enough though.

And I can foresee laws relating to ethical treatments of robots perhaps coming into play too. Huh, I guess we'll find out in 40-50.

To be honest, this doesn't sound half bad. A young Swedish maid always willing and able...AHEM...I mean, you know, for someone else of course...right? ha ha right guys? For someone else...

Seriously though, I will be interested to hear of upcoming studies on this subject.