Human-robot relationships may become normal in the next thirty years (or less).
If there is anything that 2020 taught us profoundly, it is that nothing is static in life.
It is undeniable that dating and intimacy have been transformed completely. Social distancing may have forced us to be physically distanced, but it also drew us together in online spaces.
As innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics continue to propel change in various areas, a revolution is also around the corner when it comes to intimacy.
The question remains — will robotic companions become real replacements for human beings?
Sex robots may be “normal” as early as 2050
Humanoids are already present and accepted in television. Channel 4 drama series Humans depicted a scenario where “Synths” are considered mandatory for the average household.
HBO’s Westworld imagines a park that is maintained by “hosts” robots. However, neither depicted a human-robot relationship directly.
That may be about to change.
Dr. David Levy, author of Love and Sex with Robots, claims that sex robots will be considered normal by 2050.
Just as homosexuality was once considered a taboo, views and opinions on relationships with robots will soon change as technology advances.
AI experts also claim that sex robots will be heaven-sent for lonely singletons worldwide who are struggling to find compatible partners.
Marriage with sex robots: The details
Over the years, artificial intelligence has developed from a standard piece of software known as a “chatbot” that could only engage with humans by looking for answers from a specific database, to a machine that continually learns as it interacts, a process known as “deep learning.”
Other features such as image, speech, and facial recognition software are also available already; they just need to be fine-tuned.
Pepper is here to help
Pepper, a doe-eyed robot, is an excellent example of an advanced robot for human companionship.
It can recognize your face, move around, hear, and speak. Pepper can gauge your emotions and mood and then act accordingly, a vital aspect in human-robotic relationships.
Pepper’s seller, SoftBank Robotics, sold more than 10,000 units in the US alone, and it expects the sales to increase consistently in the next 10 years.
This is a clear indication of where the world is heading: people are becoming more and more comfortable with robots.
The right look
In terms of physical appearance, Abyss Creation’s RealDoll is perhaps the most realistic at the moment.
It is anatomically correct, and custom made with silicon rubber and stainless steel. The doll’s structure allows it to be posed in any way that you want.
What about love or affection?
People long for committed relationships, something that is very rare nowadays. But is it possible for sex robots to fulfill a need for emotional intimacy?
Though sex robots cannot show love genuinely, and it is hard to ascribe feelings to companions like RealDoll, if the lady behaves as though she feels, can you reasonably argue that she doesn’t?
Also, a romantic relationship with a sex robot removes all the unpleasantness and messiness of human emotions. It leaves a user with something easier and simpler to understand.
Join the bandwagon
Intimacy with machines is here to stay. The only thing left is for more and more people to join the bandwagon as they realize the benefits.
Some people are already deep into the art and have gone beyond the physical by moving with the bots into their family homes and introducing them to family members.
All indications show that attractive sex robots will undoubtedly take over weddings with humans soon.
Keep in mind that humans and life-like robots are not just ideal for people who cannot form relationships with humans but also for people who can’t stand the problems that come with normal marriages.
Sex robots may just be the key to a world full of happier, less lonely people.
Image sources: RealDoll, SoftBank Robotics, Joey Buyske
