by GRAEME GREEN
R2-D2 and Metal Mickey are cute but would you want to marry them? It's not as barmy as it sounds, claims artificial intelligence expert David Levy. He predicts that by 2050 humans will be having long-term sexual and emotional relationships with robots.
'Robots are becoming more sophisticated,' he explains. 'Technologies are being developed all the time, such as artificial skin, which will make robots more human-like. One Japanese company makes a doll that has electronic sensors in the nipples so if you stroke them, it makes approving sounds.'
Levy predicts that in the next five years, we will start to see the first fully fledged s*x robots. And, believe it or not, women are coming round to the idea, too. 'Why not have s*x with robots?' said one female enthusiast in an e-mail to Levy. 'They will be uninhibited, free of STDs and probably much better in bed than most men.'
Hot-to-trot bots
Some may even go as far as replacing their human lover with a mechanical one. 'A lot of people will try robots for recreational s*x,' Levy says. '“Not tonight, darling, I've got a headache” will become: “Not tonight, darling, I've got a headache, but why don't you try it with the robot?” Couples who enjoy threesomes will use robots to make up the numbers.'
The world's oldest profession might also gain some new recruits. 'Robot prostitutes will become commonplace,' he explains. 'One of the downsides of prostitution is the spread of sexual diseases; with robots you can just take out the artificial genitals and wash them or dispose of them.'
Levy's claims go beyond hi-tech s*x dolls, though. He predicts we'll have loving, meaningful relationships because we'll be able to programme them to like the same things as us. But don't expect a pushover when you choose your robot. You may be able to choose their personality but predictable and subservient may not be options.
Their existence will be so legitimised that robots could also end up with their own legal rights, claims Levy: 'Robo-ethics is a very big subject. Some jurisdictions and areas will legalise marriage between humans and robots, and why not? If someone can fall in love with a robot, why shouldn't they be allowed to get married?'
If you're wondering about the subtle details of human personality, a 'soul', Levy has an answer for that too. 'It will be possible to simulate everything,' he argues. 'AI researchers will develop new programming so computers and robots exhibit convincing personalities and emotions.'
Artificially yours
Technology critic Andrew Keen isn't convinced. 'The idea that the complexity of the human condition can be reproduced identically in a machine is an insult. You can't have a love affair with a robot – it doesn't matter how many times you watch Star Trek or Doctor Who.'
Such relationships could even have a negative effect on human behaviour, says psychosexual therapist Dr Glyn Hudson-Allez. 'The more time you spend with an unresponsive partner, the less you can cope with someone who does respond,' he says. It's no surprise then that s*x dolls and robots are going to appeal to those who can't form satisfying human relationships.
Hudson-Allez says: 'They cater mostly for men with low self-esteem, or men who want to objectify and control. He – usually, but there are dolls for women – can perform any sexual position without complaint, and the doll never has a headache and never nags.'
No more lonely nights
Levy doesn't deny robo-lovin' will appeal mainly to society's loners and misfits – but he doesn't necessarily see that as a bad thing. 'There are millions of people who are lonely and miserable, who don't have regular s*x lives or relationships,' he says. 'A society in which no one has to be lonely, no one needs to be without someone to love and to love them, will be hugely beneficial and make millions of people much happier.'
Love And s*x With Robots: The Evolution of Human-Robot Relationships by David Levy is out now (Duckworth, £12.99).
Love and Hardware
In 2004, Hong Kong company Aartificial Life launched its virtual girlfriend Vivienne, who customers can download to their mobile phones and interact with. customers use real money to buy her virtual flowers and virtual chocolates. Vivienne was followed in 2006 by a virtual boyfriend.
Hideo Ttsuchiya, president of Oorient Industries, the leading manufacturer of s*x dolls in Japan, has revealed that its Dutch Wives have their own special place and treatment within the confines of Japanese culture, with discarded dolls having the opportunity of funeral rituals.
German aircraft mechanic Mmichael Harriman claims to have created the world's most sophisticated s*x doll. Tthe doll, confusingly called Andy, has skin made from a silicon-based material used in plastic surgery, an artificial heart that beats harder during s*x, and internal heaters to raise its body temperature – apart from its feet, which stay cold just as in real life. Aandy can be made to move by remote control, wiggling her hips under the sheets and making other suggestive movements.
Toyota has announced that, by 2010, it will start selling robots that will serve tea to elderly people in homes. Just don't ask for extras...
Will robot romance become a reality?
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14 posts • Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
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Will robot romance become a reality?
"Anger is a prelude to courage."
~Eric Hoffer
mcm best jak robot tok
maok aku mod nya jadi aku pun assistant... angkut barang2 berat, repair pc, dl movie... basuh kereta... dan byk lagi... huhuhu.... Tok tok siok.... siok matok padi... babehku bajik... tumit nu ngagi... nan ngayan padi.... padiiiiii..... padiieeee......
   
camne mun kelak ada skru loose?mok tampal koyok juak ka??urut minyak panas??hehehe..i wonder,who will get more satisfaction,the robots or the human?
 In case of fire..yell "FIRE"..
ewwww real feel ka mun ngn robot????
 "Anger is a prelude to courage."
~Eric Hoffer
probably there wont be any foreplay,robot terus kuarkan lube witout any foreplay,arousal..juz tekan button,its all wud end in 1 minutes..there probably no more fun n excitement.. In case of fire..yell "FIRE"..
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14 posts • Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
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