Sex robots could 'change humanity forever': Expert warns the rise of realistic dolls may 'take meaning out of our lives' by making sex 'too easy'

Computer scientist Noel Sharkey is warning of the dangers of sex robots
Sharkey says that the robots will have negative consequences for society
His theory is based on the fact that the robots will make sex easier to engage in
But despite these concerns the market for sex robots is growing exponentially
Sharkey has previously warned of the dangers of pedophiles using sex robots

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A computer scientist featured in a new documentary is claiming that sex robots could forever change humanity by making sex too accessible.

The documentary is called 'Sex Robots and Us', and in it Noel Sharkey warns of the damage these robots, which are growing in popularity, can do to society.

In the film Sharkey cautions that the machines could make sex 'too easy' and 'change humanity completely'.

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Computer scientist Noel Sharkey has expressed concern over the negative consequences of sex robots in a new documentary called 'Sex Robots and Us'. He claims that the technology will make sex easier to obtain and permanently change society. Pictured is sex robot Harmony

Sharkey works for the Foundation of Responsible Robotics and has warned of the dangers of sex robots in the past.

He has spoken about the potential harm done if pedophiles access robots resembling children and rapists interact with robots that tell them 'no', Metro reported.

In 'Sex Robots and Us' Sharkey expressed new fears of the consequences the technologies will inflict on society.

'We're just doing all this stuff with machines because we can and not really thinking how this could change humanity completely. Some people have suggested that sex robots create an attitude of "too easy" sex which is always available. This could take meaning out of our lives and turn us into zombies,' Sharkey said.

But regardless of their potentially harmful side effects sex robots are becoming a lucrative industry.

A report published at the end of last year concluded that more than one-fourth of millennials would be happy to have a relationship with a robot.

The study from Havas, a Paris-based media firm, claimed that 27 percent of people aged 18 to 34 would enjoy such a relationship.

Despite these concerns, the market for sex robots is growing exponentially. Cheaper models cost around $5,400, but nicer ones can set customers back $15,000

The analysis noted that men were three times more likely to engage in robotic relationships than women.

Additionally, a different 2017 study from Canada's University of Manitoba highlighted the rise of digisexual individuals, or people who prefer robotic relationships to human ones.

Researcher Dr Neil McArthur explained that a growing number of people will identify as digisexual as robots are implemented more and more into romantic contexts.

ARE SMART SEX DOLLS BRINGING SCIENCE FICTION TO LIFE?

Sex robots have long been a part of science fiction, and are often used by writers to show the menacing side of technology.

But, with the development of intelligent, more realistic looking sex dolls, they're fast becoming a part of real life, too.

The rise of sex robots such as 'Silicon Samantha' and Realbotix Harmony RealDoll has caused many to draw parallels to popular science fiction narratives.

In the 2015 film Ex Machina, programmer Nathan (Oscar Isaac) has cold and cruel sex with his creation, Ava (Alicia Vikander). However, she has the last laugh when she kills him and escapes to live covertly among humans.

In the TV series Westworld, Thandie Newton plays brothel madame Maeve Millay who is frequently killed by guests during sex only to be patched up and put back to work again.

Pictured is Samantha, one of the more realistic looking sex robots available. Known as 'Silicon Samantha' the robot is covered with sensors, which respond to human contact. Samantha has two modes she can switch between: 'sexy' mode and 'family' mode

In Channel 4’s Humans, Anita is a domestic nanny robot. But her male owner initiates her sex program - much to the disgust of his wife when she finds out.

Another robot in the show, Niska, acts as a prostitute, and later goes on to kill one of her clients.

In Blade Runner, Pris, a ‘basic pleasure model’ robot, goes on to become a brutal and cold killer.

Sometimes, however, humans are the biggest villains. In AI, directed by Steven Spielberg, prostitute robot Gigolo Joe - played by Jude Law - is framed for murder and later killed. 'Many people will find that their experiences with this technology become integral to their sexual identity and some will prefer them to direct sexual interactions with humans,' Dr McArthur said.

Last year the first brothel that is 'doll-only' opened in Germany.

Sex robots are used legally in brothels in Germany and Austria, and a whopping one in five Germans said they would buy a sex robot according to a study conducted by public broadcasters, which was published in January.

Around five firms around the world make sex robots, and prices for the robots run from about $5,400 to $15,000. The market is almost completely dominated by men.

Sex robots are becoming more and more realistic, but scientists have warned it could be up to 50 years before they behave similarly to human partners.