Integrating ChatGPT-Like AI in Sex Robots

Chinese scientists and engineers are incorporating ChatGPT-like technology into sex robots, aiming to create interactive, AI-powered companions while facing technical and ethical challenges. In Shenzhen, Starpery Technology, a leading producer of sex dolls, is training its own large language model to enhance its products with AI. These advanced sex dolls, available in both male and female forms, will soon be available for purchase. CEO Evan Lee announced that the company is developing next-generation sex dolls capable of vocal and physical interaction, with prototypes expected by August this year. He acknowledged the technological challenges, particularly in achieving realistic human interaction, which involves complex model development by specialized software companies.

Advancements in AI-Powered Dolls

Traditional dolls, with metal skeletons and silicone exteriors, are limited to simple responses and lack the expressive capabilities needed for engaging human interaction. The new generation of AI-powered sex dolls, equipped with sensors, can react with both movements and speech, significantly enhancing the user experience by focusing on emotional connections rather than basic conversational abilities. Starpery, which has primarily targeted international markets, is now also focusing on the domestic market. Despite China’s conservative society, the country hosts the largest market for sex dolls, surpassing the combined sales of the US, Japan, and Germany. Lee highlighted China’s huge market potential, with purchasing power in major cities surpassing many European countries, despite aesthetic differences from the European market.

Employees work at the office of humanoid robots’ developer Ex-Robots in Dalian, Liaoning province, China, on June 6, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Future Developments and Challenges

Starpery’s future plans include developing robots capable of household chores, aiding people with disabilities, and providing aged care. By 2025, the company aims to launch its first “smart service robot,” capable of more complex services for people with disabilities. By 2030, these robots could be protecting people from hazardous jobs. Lee identified two main challenges for achieving this level of development: battery capacity and artificial muscles. Humanoid robots lack space for large batteries, so improving the energy density of batteries is crucial. Additionally, current engines lack the flexibility of human muscles, which can exert force over a wide range and can be both hard and soft, fitting closely to the skin. To ensure realism, dolls can weigh up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds), which is too heavy for the motor and poses a risk of falling or injuring the user. Starpery has focused on reducing weight through material and production process improvements, achieving a 172-centimeter-tall doll weighing just 29 kilograms by July 2023.

Cost and Ethical Considerations

The development of AI-powered sex robots faces significant cost and ethical challenges. Key components like reducers, which transfer power between the motor and robot joints, account for 30% of the robot’s cost and require multiple gears at different joints. Lee emphasized the need to decrease costs to make realistic dolls more affordable, despite the added expense of incorporating motors. Starpery benefits from a complete supply chain and lower manufacturing costs in Shenzhen, the world’s largest production base for adult products. Besides Starpery, other Chinese manufacturers like WMdoll in Zhongshan and EXdoll in Dalian are also integrating AI into physical dolls. The advancement of large language models has significantly impacted various sectors, including the humanoid robot industry, by enhancing motion control and boosting developer productivity.

Ethical and Legal Implications

The rapid development of AI-driven sex robots raises ethical and legal concerns. Critics argue that overreliance on AI companions for sexual or emotional fulfillment might hinder genuine human connections and affect users’ ability to form healthy relationships with real people. The development of these robots also outpaces existing legal and regulatory frameworks, creating a legal grey area concerning their use, ownership, and the responsibilities of manufacturers and users. The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology highlighted these concerns in its 2023 paper, “Research Report on AI Ethics Governance,” noting that AI capable of making decisions under certain conditions could challenge human autonomy and self-perception, and that large language models pose risks of data leaks and privacy violations.

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