by Team TCP​

updated 3.15.25

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​A survey conducted by the Harris Poll for Lovehoney (a well-known adult products retailer) found that about 45% of adults in the U.S. reported owning at least one sex toy.  That's almost 50% of 341.1 million people.  If half of the U.S. has a sex toy, how many would invest in a sex robot?  We would say the more bought, the lower the cost, however, that doesn't apply to automobiles right?​​​

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Be aware, there’s no public data available with exact sex robot ownership numbers. The industry remains relatively hush and ownership of such products are often private which can make it difficult to accurately track.

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Some people might form emotional attachments to sex robots, seeing them as a form of companionship. For individuals who are socially isolated or have difficulty forming human relationships, a robot might provide a sense of connection and reduce loneliness.  Is that a pro or a con?

 

The concept of relationships with sex robots is a controversial and complex topic, raising both positive and negative aspects.  We've put together a breakdown of some potential pros and cons of such relationships.

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Pros of Relationships with Sex Robots​

​Sexual Satisfaction and Fulfillment:

• Sex robots can provide a source of sexual satisfaction for individuals who may struggle with intimacy or who have specific preferences difficult to fulfill through human relationships. This could help address sexual frustration or unmet needs.

 

No Judgment or Pressure:

• Similar to AI chatbots, sex robots provide a space where individuals can explore their sexuality without fear of judgment or societal pressure. There is no expectation for emotional intimacy, and people can engage in sexual activity without concerns about performance or rejection.

 

Consensual and Safe Interactions:

• Sex robots allow individuals to engage in consensual sexual activity without the risks associated with human relationships, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or the emotional complexities of human interactions.

 

Customizability and Control:

• Some sex robots offer customizable features, allowing individuals to create a partner that meets their specific needs or preferences. This can provide a level of control over physical and emotional aspects of a relationship that isn’t possible with humans.

 

Reduced Risk of Emotional Rejection:

• There is no emotional rejection with a sex robot, which might be appealing to individuals who have experienced trauma or difficulties with rejection in past relationships.

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Cons of Relationships with Sex Robots

​Lack of Genuine Emotional Connection:

• While sex robots might provide physical satisfaction, they cannot offer the emotional depth or genuine connection that comes with human relationships. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, emptiness, or emotional detachment in the long run.

 

Over-reliance on Technology:

• Relying on a robot for companionship or sexual satisfaction may discourage individuals from seeking real, meaningful human relationships, potentially leading to social isolation and a decline in emotional intelligence.

 

Ethical Concerns:

• The development and use of sex robots raise several ethical issues, such as objectification, exploitation, and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, particularly regarding gender roles and consent. These concerns are amplified when robots are designed to resemble or act like real people.

 

Desensitization and Unrealistic Expectations:

• Engaging with a sex robot could create unrealistic expectations about physical intimacy, which might negatively impact an individual's future relationships with real people. It could lead to desensitization to human interactions or distort perceptions of what constitutes a fulfilling and healthy sexual relationship.

 

Dehumanization:

• Some critics argue the use of sex robots, particularly those designed to resemble specific human characteristics or act as submissive partners, could contribute to dehumanizing attitudes toward real people. This could reinforce unhealthy attitudes toward consent, gender dynamics, and relationships.

 

Potential Impact on Human Relationships:

• If individuals turn to sex robots for sexual satisfaction or companionship, it may reduce their motivation or desire to form real human relationships, impacting their ability to develop the communication, emotional intimacy, and connection that comes with human interactions.

 

Longevity and Maintenance:

• Sex robots are mechanical and require ongoing maintenance to keep them functioning properly. This may include cleaning, repairing, or upgrading hardware. Additionally, the longevity of the product might be limited, and individuals could face issues related to wear and tear, which might impact their long-term satisfaction.  (see potential physical harm and issues below)

 

Social and Legal Implications:

• As sex robots become more prevalent, society might face legal and social challenges. For example, how should laws regarding consent, ownership, or the treatment of robots be applied? There could also be concerns about the impact of sex robots on human relationships and societal norms.

 

While relationships with sex robots may offer sexual satisfaction, companionship, and a judgment-free space, they come with significant drawbacks. The lack of emotional connection, ethical concerns, and potential for social isolation are major issues. Additionally, over-reliance on technology might have unintended consequences for real-world relationships, emotional growth, and societal dynamics.

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​As of now, there are no specific, comprehensive U.S. federal laws that directly address the use or regulation of sex robots. However, various legal and ethical issues surrounding sex robots are starting to emerge and some states and localities are considering laws that touch on these topics. 

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Privacy and Data Protection

• Issue: Many sex robots are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and even cameras, which could collect personal data during interactions.

• Potential Laws: There could be legislation around data privacy, similar to what is seen with other AI technologies and smart devices. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe serve as potential models for how personal data collected by sex robots might be protected.

• Considerations: How companies handle and data and whether individuals are sufficiently informed about the data being collected, would be central legal issues.

 

Childlike or Underage-Like Sex Robots

• Issue: The development of sex robots that resemble children (often referred to as "childlike" sex robots) has raised significant ethical and legal concerns. While the robots themselves are not real children, their existence may contribute to the normalization of illegal and harmful desires or behaviors.

• Existing Laws: Some states have already taken steps to address this issue:

  • Prohibition of Childlike Sex Robots: In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed a law banning the importation, distribution, and possession of childlike sex robots. The Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Devices Act (CREEPED Act) was introduced in response to concerns that such robots could potentially facilitate child exploitation or reinforce harmful fantasies.

  • State-Level Legislation: Some states have passed or are considering legislation banning the possession of robots that resemble minors. For example, California passed a law in 2018 that criminalizes the possession of sex dolls or robots designed to look like children.

 

Sex Robot Consent and Ethics

• Issue: The question of whether or not robots, even if designed to resemble humans or exhibit certain human-like traits, can be considered to "consent" in the same way as human beings is a complex legal issue.

• Potential Laws: This could eventually lead to discussions about defining the legal rights of non-human entities (robots) and the ethics of using them for sexual purposes. It could also impact the legality of manufacturing robots designed for specific behaviors or appearances.

• Debate: There's an ongoing ethical debate about whether sex robots contribute to unhealthy or unrealistic ideas about relationships, gender roles, and consent. This could eventually influence legislative actions.

 

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Concerns

• Issue: There are concerns sex robots could be used to perpetuate or even replace human trafficking, particularly in contexts where robots are marketed as alternatives to human sex workers. Some worry that the demand for sex robots could increase the exploitation of human trafficking victims.

• Potential Laws: Laws related to human trafficking could be adapted to address how sex robots intersect with the sex industry. For example, manufacturers might be scrutinized for contributing to exploitation or encouraging unhealthy behaviors.

 

Sex Robot Use in Criminal Behavior

• Issue: There could be concerns about whether the use of sex robots encourages or facilitates criminal behavior, such as violence or sexual assault. The argument is that interactions with robots could normalize behavior that is harmful to human beings.

• Potential Laws: There might be laws developed around criminalizing the use of robots for abusive or harmful purposes. If research or data emerges suggesting that using sex robots leads to real-world harm, regulations could follow.

 

Product Safety and Regulation

• Issue: Sex robots, being advanced technological devices, may present safety concerns, such as mechanical malfunctions, health risks (due to unhygienic conditions), or even risks posed by AI (e.g., malfunctioning behavior).

• Existing Laws: Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) could become involved in the regulation of these products, ensuring they meet health and safety standards, much like other consumer products.

• Potential Laws: Consumer protection laws could be updated to specifically include robotics and AI-driven products, ensuring the safety and reliability of these technologies.

 

Impact on Marriage and Human Relationships

• Issue: There is speculation of the widespread use of sex robots could alter the landscape of human relationships, marriage, and family dynamics, especially if robots are used to substitute human companionship or intimacy.

• Potential Laws: If societal concerns about the breakdown of human relationships grow, there could be laws that attempt to address the impact of sex robots on the institution of marriage, possibly affecting divorce law, property rights, or even custody agreements.

 

Current Legal Landscape:

• No Federal Laws Specifically on Sex Robots: At the federal level, there is no overarching law explicitly regulating sex robots, though related issues such as childlike robots and data privacy are addressed through existing laws.

• State-Level Regulation: Some states, like California, have enacted specific laws regarding childlike robots, while others may consider ethical concerns as they arise.

• Ongoing Ethical and Societal Debates: As sex robots become more advanced and widespread, lawmakers may need to develop new frameworks to address ethical concerns, safety standards, and the social implications of their use.

 

While sex robots aren't fully regulated by current U.S. laws, various issues such as childlike robots, consent, data privacy, and human trafficking are leading to potential legal action. As technology progresses and these robots become more common, it's likely both federal and state legislation will evolve to address new challenges and ethical considerations.

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Physical Harm And Issues​

A poorly maintained sex robot could potentially cause a range of physical harm to a human, especially if it involves mechanical issues, hygiene problems, or malfunctioning parts.  This could include:

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Mechanical Injuries

• Broken or malfunctioning parts: If a sex robot has moving components (such as motors or joints), a malfunction could lead to physical injuries. For example, a joint that doesn't function correctly might result in pinching or squeezing, causing bruises or cuts.

• Sharp or exposed edges: If the materials used in the robot are poorly constructed or have become worn down, sharp edges or protruding parts could cause abrasions or cuts during use.

• Overheating: Some sex robots may have heated features (like heating elements for the body) or electronic components. Poor maintenance or faulty wiring could cause these parts to overheat, potentially leading to burns or electrical shocks.

 

Hygiene and Health Risks

• Bacterial growth: If the robot isn’t cleaned and maintained properly, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens can grow in the robot’s material, especially in areas that come into contact with human skin or fluids. This could lead to skin infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) if not properly sanitized after use.

• Mold or fungal infections: Moisture can accumulate in the internal parts of a sex robot, especially in areas designed to mimic human anatomy. If these areas are not thoroughly cleaned and dried after use, mold or fungal growth could result, causing skin irritation, rashes, or other infections.

• Latex or silicone breakdown: Many sex robots are made from materials like silicone or rubber. If these materials degrade over time without proper care, they can develop cracks or tears that harbor bacteria. This could lead to physical harm like skin infections or allergic reactions.

 

Allergic Reactions

• Material allergies: Some users may be allergic to the materials used in sex robots, such as latex, silicone, or plastic. If the robot is not properly maintained and cleaned, users may come into contact with substances that could cause allergic reactions, leading to skin rashes, irritation, or more severe reactions like swelling or difficulty breathing in extreme cases.

 

Electrical Hazards

• Faulty wiring or short circuits: If the sex robot has electrical components or battery-powered features (such as vibrating parts), improper maintenance or water damage could lead to short circuits. This could cause burns, shocks, or electrocution if the user comes into contact with malfunctioning electrical components.

• Battery issues: Overcharging or using damaged batteries in sex robots could result in battery leaks, which could lead to chemical burns or other injuries. In some cases, batteries could even explode, posing a severe safety risk.

 

Damage from Overuse or Force

• Overstressed joints or moving parts: If the robot is used in ways that stress its joints or motors beyond their intended capacity, parts could break or become loose. This could lead to mechanical failure, potentially injuring the user if they are caught or pinched.

 

Risk of Contamination During Repair

• Unhygienic repairs: If users attempt to repair the robot themselves or fail to properly clean it during maintenance, there's a risk of introducing contaminants into the robot. This could result in infections or exacerbate any health risks mentioned above.

 

The overall impact of sex robots on society depends on how they are developed, used, and integrated into individuals' lives. While they might provide benefits in certain contexts, they cannot replace the emotional depth and connection of human relationships.  ​Owning a sex robot can offer various benefits, but it also comes with potential risks if not properly maintained. 

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Additionally, as the technology evolves, legal concerns surrounding sex robots have surfaced. As technology progresses, it's likely laws will continue to adapt to address the broader ethical, safety, and social implications of sex robots.

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FYI: Source assistance via the internet​

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We always want your input.  Email us at TCPcontact1@gmail.com

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as of Feb. 11, 2023​

The Pros and Cons of the New Age of Sex Robots

By David W. Wahl Ph.D.  (SOURCE)

 

Sex robots are here. It’s not just a gimmick of science fiction. Granted, the artificially intelligent sex robots of such films as “Ex Machina” and “AI” are not here yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

 

Most sex robots now are little more than slightly animated sex dolls. Perhaps the most advanced sex robot that we know of is "Samantha." A creation of Synthea Amatus, Samantha is designed to be capable of enjoying sex.

But Samantha is not all about sex. She can also talk about science and philosophy. She can even tell jokes (although hopefully not while you are having sex with her). Consent is even an issue with Samantha. If you are too rough with her or she doesn’t like your behaviors, she is programmed to go into “dummy mode” and completely shut down. Currently, robotic partners can go for prices in excess of $10,000.

 

The question here is not whether or not sex robots are coming (they are) or how they are going to be continually evolving. The question here concerns the psychological and social ramifications that may accompany this brave new sexual world. As with any technology, there is a laundry list of pros and cons to consider.

 

I recently asked several married couples how they would feel if they walked in on their spouse having sex with a robot. In each case, the reactions were the same. On the one hand, they felt it was little more than masturbation—the sex robot being nothing more than a very advanced sex toy. On the other hand, they worried about their partner reifying the sex robot and forming an emotional attachment to it. Not one of the couples could give me a firm answer as to whether they would consider the act to be infidelity. All voiced several pros and cons with sex robots.

 

Pros

Factors contributing to an individual’s sense of well-being, in the use of a sex robot, include sexual and, perhaps, emotional companionship for those who are unable to find human partners. With an advanced enough AI form, a human could form a potentially satisfying relationship with a robotic partner.

 

Those supporting the use of sex robots argue that sexually transmitted diseases are not transmitted through a sex robot; it may release sexual frustrations in those who would otherwise vent in public via sexual harassment or assault; or it’s a good tool to learn from and garner sexual experience before having human relations.

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It may be as simple as a fun addition to the sexual canon for both individuals and couples. Couples who have considered having a threesome even suggest that it may be a healthy alternative to add a sex robot as a third and bypass the complications of including a third human. Finally, in many cases, it’s seen to be a natural progression of social interaction for those who are champions of technology.

 

Cons

For as many pros that can be listed, those who are against the integration of sex robots into society are quick to point out the potential problems this new technology will cause. First, when it comes to couples, there is the moral question of whether or not having sex with an AI form is an act of infidelity.

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For many of the arguments against sex robots, morality comes into play. Some see having sexual relations with a female robot as an act of furthering the idea of women as objects in the perceptions of some men. Furthermore, they feel as if a person who is predisposed toward sexual aggression or harassment will be fueled by using a sex robot for their negative future actions. This may even go so far as to embolden those who crave non-consensual sex. This is the very reason that many are concerned about companies producing sex robots in the form of children.

 

Overall, there is a fear that robotic partners will result in a reduction of human empathy. There is a concern that misplaced emotional connections will have negative psychological consequences for the vulnerable. Lastly, some worry about the interactional dynamics amounting from the use of sex robots providing unrealistic expectations when an individual moves from sex with a robot to human sex.

 

What the Science Says

As of now, studies on public attitudes toward sex robots are far from reaching a point of saturation. Scientists may be shying away from the topic for reasons that range from viewing it as a novelty discussion to being too embarrassed to pursue it as a research study. However, the topic of sex robots does have moral, psychological, and social relevance that merits serious study. As it stands, there are wide, admitted gaps in current studies.

In one recent study by Koverola, Drosinou, Palomäki, Halonen, Kunnari, Repo, Lehtonen, and Laakasou (2020), participants generally considered sex with a robot to be sex, with the robot being perceived as a robot. In a bordello environment, participants viewed paying for sex with a robot as being more acceptable than paying human sex workers.

 

Another study by Scheutz and Arnold (2016) produced data that pointed to women being less inclined to use sex robots than men and millennials finding having sex with robots being less appropriate than older generations. In the case of the Scheutz and Arnold study, the researchers concluded that “attitudes toward using sex robots have less to do with what a sex robot is, or how sex with a robot is categorized, than they do with different takes on the conditions and purposes of both personal relationships and society’s interests” (2016:352, italics in original).

 

Certainly, the introduction of sex robots changes the landscape of human interaction and intimacy—but how and to what extent are the unanswered questions. It is the responsibility of researchers to get ahead of this. What are the socio-psychological implications? Can a robotic partner ever truly be a substitute for the human experience? Will sex robots be viewed as little more than the latest advancement in sex toys? Does this industry need oversight? And, if so, who would impartially provide such oversight?

 

In a world where sex sells, there will always be someone willing to provide anything for a dollar. We have to ask these questions and pose hypotheticals in preparation for a time when science fiction shifts to the reality of our socio-sexual world.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SOURCE)

 

Thorny legal issues

In a landmark 2003 case, Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court struck down Texas’ sodomy law and established what some scholars have described as a right to sexual privacy.

 

There is currently a split among circuit courts in how Lawrence should be applied to state restrictions on the sale of sex toys. So far, Alabama’s ban has been upheld, but I suspect that all sex toy bans will eventually be struck down. If so, it seems unlikely that states will be able to wholesale restrict sales of sex robots generally.

Bans on childlike sex robots, however, may be different.

 

It is not clear whether anyone in the U.S. already owns a childlike sex robot. But even the possibility of child sex robots prompted a bipartisan House bill, the Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots Act, or CREEPER. Introduced in 2017, it passed unanimously six months later.

 

State politicians will surely follow suit, and we are likely to see many attempts to ban childlike sex robots. But it’s unclear if such bans will survive constitutional challenge.

 

On one hand, the Supreme Court has held that prohibitions on child pornography do not violate the First Amendment because the state has a compelling interest in curtailing the effects of child pornography on the children portrayed. Yet the Supreme Court has also held that the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 was overly broad in its attempt to prohibit “child pornography that does not depict an actual child.”

 

Childlike sex robots are robots, not humans. Like virtual child pornography, the development of a childlike sex robot does not require interaction with any children. Yet it might also be argued that childlike sex robots would have serious detrimental effects that compel state action.

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Safe and secure?

Perhaps someday sex robots will become sentient. But for now, they are products.

 

And a question almost entirely overlooked is how the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission should regulate the hazards associated with sex robots. Existing sex products are not well regulated, and this is cause for concern given the multitude of ways in which sex robots could be harmful to their users.

 

For example, dangers lurk even in a seemingly innocent scene where a sex robot and human hold hands and kiss. What if the sexbots’ lips were manufactured with lead paint or some other toxin? And what if the robot, with the strength of five humans, accidentally crushes the human’s finger in a display of passion?

 

It’s not just physical harm, but security as well. For instance, just as a human partner learns by remembering what words were soothing, and what type of touch was comforting, so too is a sex robot likely to store and process massive amounts of intimate information. What regulations are in place to ensure that this data remains private?

 

How vulnerable will the sex robot be to hacking? Could the state use sex robots as surveillance devices for sex offenders?

 

Sexbots in the city

Whether and how governments regulate sex robots will depend on what we learn – or what we assume – about the effects of sexbots on individuals and society.

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In 2018, the Houston City Council made headlines by enacting an ordinance to ban the operation of what would have been America’s first so-called robot “brothel.” At one of the community meetings, an attendee warned: “A business like this would destroy homes, families, finances of our neighbors and cause major community uproars in the city.”

 

But dire predictions like this are pure speculation. At present there is no evidence of how the introduction of sex robots would affect either individuals or society.

 

For instance, would a man who uses a childlike sex robot be more or less likely to harm an actual human child? Would robots be a substitute for humans in relationships or would they enhance relationships as sex toys might? Would sex robots fill a void for those who are lonely and without companions? Just as pilots use virtual flight simulators before they fly a real plane, could virgins use sex robots to safely practice sex before trying the real thing?

 

Put another way, there are far more unanswered questions about sex robots than there are actual sex robots. Although it’s hard to conduct empirical studies until sexbots are more prevalent, informed governance requires researchers to explore these topics urgently. Otherwise, we may see reactionary governance decisions based on supposition and fear of doomsday scenarios.​​