Fun

Meet Melody – The Robot Sex Doll Who Engages in Small Talk

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I have to say, I was a huge fan of ‘Westworld’. The award winning SKY Atlantic series was a fascinating look at the way A.I will advance over the years. When you add into that the excellent script and performances from people like Ed Harris, Evan Rachel-Wood, and Anthony Hopkins, it is no wonder it was so popular.

Harmony the sex doll

One of the most interesting parts was the look at the sex industry, where robots were used as ‘real life sex dolls’. I thought this really was the world of fantasy, but in fact, it seems that it is not that far off, if it is not here already.

Harmony is a new type of sex doll, one that can walk and talk. Really, I am not kidding.

It is all the brainchild of RealDoll, who were founded by Matt McMullen. He believes it is the next natural step in the sex doll industry.

“Many people who may buy a RealDoll because it is sexually capable come to realise it is much more than a sex toy,” he said. “It has a presence in their house and they imagine a personality for her. AI gives people the tools to create that personality.”

So, in short, this is a sex doll that can engage in small talk! Couple that with the fact she is hot, then you are onto a winner.

Various Personalities

Users can choose from a variety of personality options, including moody, angry and loving, all this by using an app on a smartphone.

McMullen himself during an interview chose the ‘jealous’ option, and consequently, she asked him to ‘remove that girl from Facebook’. Why that would be a life someone would choose, I don’t know, but that may just be me.

The doll will go on sale later this year. There will be two versions. one with computer vision that enables it to recognise faces, which will cost $10,000 – and a cheaper version without vision for $5,000.

There are many different reasons why people pick these sex robots apparently. Though a number of clients are described as being “completely normal”, McMullen says that lots are used by people who struggle in traditional relationships.

“Many people are isolated and alone but they were probably that way already. For people who are lonely and find it hard to form a relationship, this is another option. But I’ve never looked at the dolls or the robot as a replacement.”

Mark Young lives in Arizona and owns a sex doll. He explains his motivation.

I’ve been single for a while. I’ve dated a lot of girls. I’ve wasted time on relationships. While I’d love to meet a girl, in the meantime it is good to have that presence.”

And, while he admits he does have sex with his doll, he says it is “secondary”.

“I can go out shopping for her and look at clothes – it is like having somebody in my life without having to deal with making mistakes. If I like a hat on her, she doesn’t say that she doesn’t like it.”

This is the crux of the issue I think. These dolls are like having a real girlfriend, but you are in complete control, so there is no worry about screwing up.

Would You Try One?

I do wonder how long it will be until they actually believe they are alive, as in Westworld. But would people want that? Or would it put them off? And where does the line get drawn when it comes to being ‘alive’? If it looks alive, acts alive, and thinks it is alive, isn’t that enough?

Wow, it is all so confusing.

Sex dolls really have come a long way since they were plastic contraptions that would be found in the cupboards of weirdos who still lived with their mum.

The question is, would you use one of these sex robots? Is 5 grand cheap enough to make you think ‘oh go on, that is one cool robot’. Let us know by voting in the poll below.

Martin Ward
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