Is this $10K Sex Robot Encouraging Rape?

There are many different types of robots available to consumers today, and some machines raise more issues than others. Even morality can be disrupted and questioned because of some robots. Sex robots are considered extremely controversial. This is especially true with the Roxxxy TrueCompanion. Its US$10,000 sex robot is making many people concerned.

Sex Robots Are the Elephant in the Room

Although not too many people like to talk about it, the concept of a sex robot is nothing new. We have seen these devices pop up in many sci-fi TV shows and movies. One of the more recent examples is the British TV show “Humans,” where one of the robots is a sex worker for a period of time. These types of robots will find their way into our society in one way or another, regardless of whether we like it.

When the Roxxxy TrueCompanion robot was revealed, though, many people immediately pointed to it as a sex toy promoting rape. For the price of US$9,995, it is yours to “use” as you see fit. The robot also comes with its own personality to make it seem human-like. It is not hard to see why people would feel this is a bad idea, especially considering how the company’s website advertises this “feature.”

While there is no doubt most heterosexual men would see themselves using a sex robot, this does not necessarily mean we will suddenly create a rape culture either. Sex dolls have undergone major advancements in recent years, and while often frowned upon, they have become an acceptable business model in recent years. That being said, this particular sex robot is considered to be “the perfect submissive partner.” The company phrased it precisely that way so as to cause a stir, and it sure did.

According to the Foundation for Responsible Robotics, robots that resist sexual advances so that their owners can “rape” them creates a very disturbing environment. It may even lead to further encouraging rapists. At the same time, one could argue it is better for these people to have their way with a robot rather than with a human. Topics like these often raise a lot of valid points, and there are no wrong conclusions until more studies are conducted.

Regardless of which side of the argument you are on, the fact remains that rape is a violent crime which should be addressed. Providing “alternative solutions” for this type of sexual behavior can never be the end goal. However, that does not mean sex robots are inherently bad or facilitators for “rape culture” either. Not everyone will buy one of these US$9,995 robots just to continuously rape it, although there will always be some rotten apples that will gladly do so.

Robots are unable to consent to sexual interaction. Then again, neither can sex dolls, and those have been somewhat accepted by our society for several decades. It is easily apparent that the robotics industry will face a lot more opposition as improved, more lifelike models are created. It is an interesting industry to keep an eye on for now, although these types of discussions will carry on for several decades to come. Do let us know your opinions in the comments below!