Sex robots are suddenly here, realistic-looking human-sized dolls that can provide both simulated intimacy and real physical gratification. What does this mean for sex, and what does it mean for relationships? If robots can deliver sex without feelings and intimacy without commitment, what happens to relationships? Will sex robots make sex safer for everybody, and particularly for vulnerable people, by satisfying unmet demand? Will child-like robots or robots with a ‘resistance’ setting only normalise sexual predation and paedophilia?

Chaired by Natasha Mitchell, journalist and presenter of ABC RN’s Science Friction.

This talk is part of the UNSW Grand Challenge on Living with 21st Century Technology, and was recorded live on stage at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas 2018.

Sex robots are suddenly here, realistic-looking human-sized dolls that can provide both simulated intimacy and real physical gratification. What does this mean for sex, and what does it mean for relationships? If robots can deliver sex without feelings and intimacy without commitment, what happens to relationships? Will sex robots make sex safer for everybody, and particularly for vulnerable people, by satisfying unmet demand? Will child-like robots or robots with a ‘resistance’ setting only normalise sexual predation and paedophilia? Chaired by Natasha Mitchell, journalist and presenter of ABC RN’s Science Friction. This talk is part of the UNSW Grand Challenge on Living with 21st Century Technology, and was recorded live on stage at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas 2018.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

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