In particular, they point to the psychological damage and moral threats they cause to individuals and society.
In addition, the researchers said this technology is not under enough surveillance because agencies are able to investigate it. They therefore call for more action to prevent the deregulated use of such robots.
“Some robots are programmed to protest or create a sexual rape scenario,” Dr. Christine Hendren of Duke University in North Carolina, USA, told the BBC.
“Some are designed to look like children. One such developer in Japan is a recognized paedophile, who says this device acts as a prophylactic so as not to hurt a child again,” she added.
Sexual memories
Some sex robots are advertised online. An American firm, Realrobitx, posted a video promoting its robot Harmony price between $8,000 and $10,000.
It is a life-size wrist that can blink or move your eyes and neck. He also moves his lips and talks.
Sex robots with artificial intelligence can memorize your tastes and preferences. He has a Scottish accent and says things like, “If you play your cards correctly you’re going to get pleasure and fun.”
The company’s founder and CEO, Matt McMullen, explains that Harmony possesses artificial intelligence, which allows it to develop a relationship with its owner.
“He’ll remember things about you, your preferences, experiences and what you don’t like,” McMullsays.
Kathleen Richardson, Professor of Robot Ethics and Culture and Artificial Intelligence at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, wants this type of marketing to be banned.
“Basically these companies are telling you not to worry, if you don’t have a friend or life partner, they can create a robot girlfriend for you. A relationship is based on intimacy, attachment and reciprocity. These are things that can’t be replicated by a machine,” Richardson says.
“A couple’s intimacy cannot be replicated with a machine.” Professor Richardson advises the creation of a group to monitor the emergence of these products.
The campaign against sex robots is working with regulatory experts to veto claims that they can be substitutes for human relationships.
“Will we have a future where we continue to normalize the idea of women as sexual objects?” said Richardson to the BBC.
“If someone has a problem with their partner, they deal with it by talking to the other person, not normalizing that you can have a robot in your life that’s as good as a person,” Richardson concluded.
