Sex robots could be transformed into killers by hackers, security expert warns

Sex robots could be hijacked by hackers and used to cause harm or even kill people, a cybersecurity expert has warned. Artificial intelligence researchers have consistently warned of the security risks posed by internet-connected robots, with hundreds recently calling on governments to ban weaponized robots. The latest warning comes from a cybersecurity expert who made the prophecy to several U.K. newspapers. "Hackers can hack into a robot or a robotic device and have full control of the connections, arms, legs and other attached tools like in some cases knives or welding devices," Nicholas Patterson, a cybersecurity lecturer at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, told the Star. "Often these robots can be upwards of 200 pounds and very strong. Once a robot is hacked, the hacker has full control and can issue instructions to the robot. The last thing you want is for a hacker to have control over one of these robots. Once hacked they could absolutely be used to perform physical actions for an advantageous scenario or to cause damage."