Artificial intelligence is everywhere. Whether we embrace it or fear it, it is undeniably pervasive in our daily lives. Chinese scientists and engineers are now taking AI to new heights. They manufacture sex robots with AI engines. According to a report published by the South China Morning Post, imagine having a robot companion that not only looks real, but can chat and respond to touch. Shenzhen-based company Starpery Technology, a leading manufacturer of sex dolls, is at the forefront of this groundbreaking development.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Starpery CEO Evan Lee is very excited about their latest project. “We are developing a new generation sex doll that can talk and physically interact with users. Our prototypes should be ready by August this year,” he told the South China Morning Post. Unlike traditional sex dolls that can only handle basic reactions, these new models will be packed with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence. This means they can move and talk, making for a much more engaging and lifelike experience.
The goal is to create an emotional connection so that these AI companions are much more than just technical toys. Despite tough technical challenges, such as making interactions feel truly human, Starpery strives to make this dream a reality.
Building such advanced robots is no walk in the park. One of the main obstacles is battery capacity. Unlike electric cars, these robots do not have room for large batteries, so their energy density must be increased. Another challenge is replicating the elasticity of human muscles. Current motors do not match the power and range of motion that human muscles can achieve.
The report mentions that to make these dolls safer and more realistic, Starpery is working to reduce their weight. By July 2023, they managed to slim down their 172cm (5ft, 6in) baby to just 29kg, a big improvement from the previous 40kg.
While these developments are exciting, they have their own challenges. The cost of key components, such as the reducers that transfer power between the motor and robot joints, is a major concern for affordability. These reducers alone account for 30 percent of the cost of the robot.
Lee noted that Starpery aims to lower prices to make these realistic dolls available. Currently, their dolls are priced around $1,500, which is much cheaper than advanced models like Abyss Creations’ Harmony doll, which starts at $6,000.
In addition to affordability, ethical issues must also be considered. Critics argue that AI companions can blur ethical lines, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and diminish genuine human connections. The rapid pace of development of artificial intelligence surpasses existing legal frameworks, which causes uncertainty in their use and ownership.
Despite these challenges, the future looks quite interesting. Starpery’s roadmap calls for the development of robots that can perform household tasks, assist the disabled, and provide care for the elderly by 2025. By 2030, they envision robots protecting people from dangerous jobs.
So get ready to welcome a new kind of companion into your life—one that talks, moves, and maybe even feels a little love.