As research and technology makes huge advances in the field of robotics, humanoid robots might as well replace humans as prospective sexual partners in the future. According to Dr Helen Driscoll, a senior lecturer and researcher in the University of Sunderland’s Psychology Department, robotic, interactive, motion-sensing technology may go on to be embraced by the sex industry and eventually act as a substitute for human sexual partners.
With virtual reality gradually transforming our life experiences and the way in which we relate to others, online dating and even cyber sex has become increasingly commonplace. There is a huge possibility that people may reject human partners altogether and look for intimacy with robots.
“As virtual reality becomes more realistic and immersive and is able to mimic and even improve on the experience of sex with a human partner; it is conceivable that some will choose this in preference to sex with a less than perfect human being,” opines Dr Driscoll in a blog post for the Huffington Post.
Popular culture also explores similar themes where humans become infatuated with their virtual reality partners, like the recent Hollywood movie Her, in which actor Joaquin Phoenix's character falls in love with a Siri-like operating system.
Imperfections and personality clashes are part and parcel of human relationships, which could make intelligent robots seem like a safer choice for those wanting to avoid emotional investment in relationships.
