Introduction: Humanity has a long history of using machines for sexual activity. The relationship between humans and machines reflects technological advances and cultural mores, with biomechanical engineering helping humans become part machine and artificial intelligence (AI) helping machines appear more human. This represents a historical review of sexual machines, corresponding psycho-social-cultural considerations, and the impact on desire, arousal, and intimacy.
Methods: A review of literature and media on all aspects of machines as human sexual adjuncts was pursued including the use of dolls, puppets, and the most recent epiphenomenon, robotic sex. Electronic-enhanced and sex with simulacra were specifically reviewed. In addition, Hollywood stereotypes of synthetic companionship were studied, including Ex Machina (source of our title).
Results: Humans have long augmented sexual activities with anatomical substitutes. Dildos from Paleolithic times have been unearthed. Used to treat hysteria in the 1800s, they were enhanced with mechanical and now electrical vibration. More recently the evolution of teledildonics, sex tech hackathons, and flesh pillows has restructured sexual surrogacy and its interface. The paraphilia agalmatophilia, sexual attraction to a doll or mannequin, has a similarly lengthy history. Life-sized sex dolls are described in ancient texts and embodied in 17th century incarnations. In present times, sex doll brothels promise titillation but also companionship, offering enhanced experiences that cannot result from the interaction between real humans. New and sophisticated sex machines are marketed as medical treatments. With the development of interactive AI packaged in realistic skin and features, the sex robot has evolved into a “mechanical bride.” Correspondingly, ethical considerations loom large.
Conclusions: The blurring between reactive and interactive use of sexual technology to accomplish goals beyond stimulation is both a generative and disruptive force within sexual medicine. Technology such as virtual reality sex gaming that was previously considered transgressive is now mainstream. We can expect that the introduction of sex machines with AI will be another disruptive force in contemporary culture. Some of the effects can be predicted, but other outcomes may be quite surprising. Given the importance of sexuality to culture and civilization, study of the effects of technology on sexuality may help us to anticipate the consequences and, perhaps, modify the course of cultural change.
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