Abstract
This chapter explores the creators and potential consumers of sex robots. With Realbotix as our case study, we take a closer look at the language and sentiments of those developing the technology and those who are testing, consuming, or showing an interest in it. We do this by means of website and chat forum analysis, and via interviews with those involved. From this, we can see the motivation for developing a sexual companion robot places the emphasis firmly on the companionship aspect, and that those involved in creating and consuming the products share an ideology of intimacy and affection, with sexual gratification only playing a minor role.
The one message about love dolls I would love to get across to the general public is that they are not just for sex!
(Dean)
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Notes
- 1.
Our title may imply this is an exclusively male domain; in fact, the Realbotix team consists of both women and men. We are also aware that women are doll owners too. For this chapter, however, we were interested specifically in the case study of the Harmony robot and Harmony app, designed to appear female, and designed to mimic a heterosexual relationship.
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Devlin, K., Locatelli, C. (2020). Guys and Dolls. In: Bendel, O. (eds) Maschinenliebe. Springer Gabler, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-29864-7_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-29864-7_5
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