Chinese manufacturers are advancing their sex dolls by incorporating cutting-edge AI technology, aiming to offer interactive and emotionally captivating companions.
Starpery Technology, based in Shenzhen, is leading the charge in this evolution, actively working on an AI-driven language model to enhance their range of sex dolls, with prototypes set to be released by August 2024.
Evan Lee, the CEO of Starpery Technology, shared that the company is in the process of developing a next-generation sex doll that can engage in vocal and physical interactions with users. These AI-powered sex dolls will be available in both male and female variants, focusing on establishing an emotional bond with their users.
Equipped with sensors and advanced AI models, these new dolls can react through movements and speech, significantly enhancing the user experience beyond what traditional sex dolls offer.
While the development of these sophisticated sex dolls presents challenges, Starpery Technology remains committed to bringing their AI-powered sexbots to the market. Lee acknowledges that achieving a realistic human interaction poses a technological hurdle, requiring complex model development by specialized software companies.
Despite the conservative nature of Chinese society, the country has emerged as the largest market for sex dolls, surpassing sales in the United States, Japan, and Germany combined. Lee attributes this to the purchasing power in major Chinese cities, which often exceeds that of many European countries.
In addition to Starpery Technology, other Chinese sex doll manufacturers like WMdoll in Zhongshan and EXdoll in Dalian are also integrating AI technology into their products, indicating a growing trend in the industry.
However, the rapid development of AI-driven sex robots has sparked ethical concerns. Critics worry that relying on AI companions for sexual and emotional satisfaction could hinder users’ ability to form genuine connections with real people, potentially impacting their relationships. There are also fears that these advanced sex dolls could blur ethical boundaries and perpetuate negative attitudes regarding consent and gender stereotypes.
As the industry progresses, legal and regulatory frameworks need to catch up to address issues surrounding the use, ownership, and responsibilities associated with AI-driven sexbots. Despite these challenges, Starpery Technology harbors ambitious plans for the future. In addition to sex dolls, the company aims to develop robots capable of household chores, assisting individuals with disabilities, and providing aged care services. By 2025, they plan to launch their first smart service robot, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding individuals from hazardous tasks by 2030.