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Constructing the Meaning of Humanoid Sex Robots

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Abstract

Humanoid sex robots seem to challenge the human–machine distinction because one way to engage with them is to entertain the illusion that they are human and appropriate for intimacy. This inclination is intentionally induced by robot designers, and several narratives envision and claim that robots of the future will be indistinguishable from humans. Taking an anticipatory ethics approach and using critical discourse analysis, we argue that current discourse about sex robots does not adequately recognize the sociotechnical nature of humanoid sex robot development. We challenge the idea that the human–machine distinction will inevitably dissolve because of technological advancements. Recognition of the social influences on technological development is key to understanding the coherence, or lack thereof, of many narratives of the future that are currently put forward.

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Notes

  1. Let us not forget that internet porn also presents humanoid features in the form of moving images of humans having sex, but such movements are outside the realm of robotics.

  2. However, some empirical studies seem to show that an increased human-likeness in robots can elicit more mistrust in humans [79].

  3. In order to achieve something more than simulation in robots, researchers would have to bridge the chasm between living nervous systems and brains, the locus of human consciousness, and their computational equivalents.

  4. A particular aspect of this has been noted in recognizing a phenomenon referred to as the ‘uncanny valley’ [48].

  5. Relevant films include Her [31], Ex Machina [21], Blade Runner 2049 [71]; some television series on the topic are Battlestar Galactica [36], Humans [72], Westworld [49]; science fiction authors who wrote on this subject include Asimov [2], Levin [39], and Tezuka [69]; media outlets that dealt with the theme include The New York Times [5], Slate [1] and Wired [61].

  6. Although the conventional view may be that people engage in sex primarily for pleasure and reproduction, Meston and Buss [45] document a much wider range of reasons. Rye and Meany [55] mention ‘spousely duty’ (not necessarily aimed at reproduction) and work (e.g. prostitution). To determine what counts as sex is very difficult, since there seems to be a variety of subjective interpretations even among very homgeneous social groups [57].

  7. Whitby [74] notes: “The Roman Catholic Church, the world’s largest religious organization, has clear and profound doctrinal opposition to sexual acts other than within marriage for the purpose of procreation. For this reason, the very idea of a robot lover, and maybe even a robot companion, will be completely unacceptable to them.”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA

    Deborah G. Johnson

  2. University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy

    Mario Verdicchio

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Johnson, D.G., Verdicchio, M. Constructing the Meaning of Humanoid Sex Robots. Int J of Soc Robotics 12, 415–424 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-019-00586-z

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