Sex Robots: Love in the Age of Machines

Scientific and technological innovations that will take place over the next decade will undoubtedly transform our society in profound ways. Sex robots, or robots made for sex, are already becoming a reality as a substitute for human beings in bed. Yes, you read that correctly. We will be having sex with robots in the not too distant future. This time, science fiction is not fictional. Robots for sex are already a reality: although current prototypes are relatively simple and crude, future technological capabilities will render sex robots capable of interacting with humans in more human-like ways. They will be able to recognize their interlocutor, understand their state of mind, and learn to know their tastes and preferences. Professor Maurizio Balistreri introduces us to the fascinating world of sex of the future by addressing all the ethical issues that the large-scale commercialization of sex robots will raise without taboos and judgements. What will become of love if all our sexual relationships are conducted with machines? What will happen to the world of paid sex and pornography? Will sex robots increase or decrease sexual violence? In addition to confronting the international debate on the moral acceptability of sex robots, the book examines the most recent studies on violent video games and pornography, questioning the widespread belief that playing violent games or witnessing violent representations corrupts people and makes them violent. Not only could sex robots be an essential tool for expressing and exploring our most forbidden sexual fantasies, but they could also be used to treat sex offenders and paedophiles. “Sex Robots” is a book that questions our prejudices towards sex robots with clarity and simplicity, helping us reason and reflect on a future that is already present, in the awareness that robots will change the world and our lives.