Robot brothels could soon be accepted by society after research revealed people think that sex with machines is morally acceptable - as long as you're single. The University of Helsinki found that respondents to a survey are less okay with those in committed relationships having sex with robots. It comes as manufacturers in China are using artificial intelligence to create'smart' sex dolls capable of holding basic conversation using an embedded chatbot. Academic Mika Koverol surveyed hundreds of people on their moral code when it comes to sex and relationships and will present his findings at the International Congress on Love and Sex with Robots in Montana. Research has found that people think it's morally acceptable to have sex with robots as scientists develop'smart' sex dolls in China He asked respondents in two separate studies to judge the moral character and actions of characters in a science fiction scenario, New Scientist reports.

A company's plan to open a so-called sex robot brothel in Houston has been short circuited by city leaders. Houston's City Council on Wednesday updated one local ordinance to specifically ban individuals from having sex with an'anthropomorphic device,' a device that resembles a human being, at a sexually-oriented business. The company, Canada-based KinkySdollS, had wanted to open a'love dolls brothel' in Houston in which people would be able to use its human-like dolls - a concept that that has drawn comparisons to the science fiction series'Westworld.' KinkySdollS says its human-like dolls (above), which can speak and feel warm to the touch, are available for sale or rent. It would have been the company's second location. The first location opened in 2017 in Toronto.

On social media, KinkySdollS says its human-like dolls are available for sale or rent and can speak. Mayor Sylvester Turner says he's not trying to be the "moral police," but that it's not the kind of business he wants in the city.