Artificial intelligence is everywhere. Whether we embrace it or fear it, there's no denying that it's seeping into our daily lives. Chinese scientists and engineers are now taking AI to new heights: they're creating AI-powered sex robots. According to an article published by the South China Morning Post, imagine having a robot companion that not only looks real, but can also converse and respond to your touch. Shenzhen-based StarPerry Technology Co., a leading manufacturer of sex dolls, is at the forefront of this groundbreaking development.
StarPerry CEO Evan Lee is excited about his company's latest project. “We are developing the next generation of sex dolls that can converse and physically interact with users. The prototype will be ready by August this year,” he told the South China Morning Post. Unlike traditional sex dolls that can only provide basic responses, these new models will be equipped with advanced sensors and AI, meaning they can move and speak, making for a more engaging and realistic experience.
The goal is to create an emotional connection and make these AI companions more than just tech toys, and despite difficult technical challenges, like making the interaction feel truly human, Starpery is making progress towards making this dream a reality.
Building such advanced robots is not easy. One major hurdle is battery capacity. Unlike electric cars, these robots don't have the space for large batteries, so they need to increase energy density. Another challenge is replicating the flexibility of human muscles. Current motors cannot match the force and range of motion that human muscles can achieve.
Star Perry is working to reduce the weight of these dolls to make them safer and more realistic, the report said. By July 2023, the company had managed to slim down the 172-centimeter (5-foot-6-inch) tall doll to just 29 kilograms, a significant improvement from its previous 40 kilograms.
While these advances are exciting, they don't come without their challenges: Affordability is a major concern due to the high cost of key components, such as the gear reducers that transfer power between the motors and the robot's joints. These gears alone account for 30 percent of the cost of a robot.
Lee said Star Perry is aiming to bring down the price of its realistic dolls to make them more accessible. Currently, its dolls cost around $1,500, far less than high-end models like Abyss Creations' Harmony doll, which starts at $6,000.
Beyond affordability, ethical issues must be considered. Critics argue that AI companions could blur ethical boundaries, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and undermine genuine human relationships. And the rapid pace of AI development is outpacing existing legal frameworks, creating uncertainty about its use and ownership.
Despite these challenges, the future looks very interesting. Starpery's roadmap includes developing robots that can do household chores, assist the disabled, and care for the elderly by 2025. By 2030, they envision robots protecting people from dangerous jobs.
So get ready to welcome a new type of companion into your life: one that talks, moves, and gives you a little love.
