We need to talk about sex, robot experts say

LONDON – Move over blow-up dolls, the sex robots are here. Artificial intelligence is making its way into the global sex market, bringing with it a revolution in robotic "sex tech" designed to offer sexual gratification with a near-human touch. In a report on the growing market in sex robots, the Foundation for Responsible Robotics said rapidly advancing technologies have already led to the creation of "android love dolls" capable of performing 50 automated sexual positions. They can be customized down to the nipple shape and pubic hair color, and can cost between $5,000 and $15,000. The increasingly life-like robots raise complex issues that should be considered by policymakers and the public, the report said -- including whether use of such devices should be encouraged in sexual therapy clinics, for sex offenders or for people with disabilities.